An HIV drug you only take twice a year?

An experimental drug is now able to maintain active levels in the blood of patients for more than six monthsScientists are reporting an early step toward anA single injection of the experimental drug, called lenacapavir, was able to lower blood levels of HIV in a small group of patients. And it was capable of maintaining active levels in the blood for more than six months.

The researchers found that in 40 healthy people, lenacapavir appeared safe and could remain active in the body for more than six months. And in 32 people with previously untreated HIV, a single injection reduced viral levels in the blood within nine days. So, for any twice-a-year regimen to become a reality, Gandhi explained, two long-acting drugs would have to be paired.Rhee said Gilead is working on such a partner. More immediately, the researchers will study the effects of lenacapavir, taken every six months, in HIV patients who've tried many standard drugs and are resistant to them.Other longer-acting drugs for HIV are further along – though the doses are more frequent than twice a year.

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