Dr Jurgen pointed out that taking intramuscular injections could be a bit challenging as it could be painful and not easy for everyone. Comparatively, subcutaneous injections could be a little easier in this respect.
He said that when supported by intensive follow-up and case management services, injectable cabotegravir and rilpivirine may be considered for people who otherwise meet the criteria - such as, unable to take oral therapy, high risk of HIV disease progression with CD4 below 200 or history of AIDS-defining complications, and the virus that is susceptible to both cabotegravir and rilpivirine medicines.
Long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy options expand the number of choices for those who may be struggling to overcome HIV-related stigma or struggle with HIV disclosure but "there is an existent risk of virological failure even in fully adherent individuals, and virological failure is associated with higher risk of drug-resistance development," said Dr Jurgen.
As more scientific evidence and lessons from the roll-out of long-acting options come forth, we need to ensure that every person living with HIV is able to access the latest regimens of lifesaving antiretroviral therapy - and all choices of treatment delivery options are available and accessible to those who are eligible for them.
Bobby Ramakant - CNS (Citizen News Service)
(Bobby Ramakant is a World Health Organization (WHO) Director General WNTD Awardee 2008 and Health and Science Editor at CNS. He also serves on the executive boards of Global Antimicrobial Resistance Media Alliance (GAMA) and Asia Pacific Media Alliance for Health and Development (APCAT Media). Follow him on Twitter/X: @BobbyRamakant)
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