By RFIPosted on 04-12-2019Modified on 04-12-2019 at 07:35
Soon injections and implants to cure HIV? Research and testing is underway on so-called "sustained-release drugs," a system already used for contraception.
These new drugs could, in a few years, replace the oral anti-retroviral pills to be taken every day. For Doctors and Other Specialists Present at the International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA), Held This Week in Kigali , It Could Be a Real Revolution in the Fight Against HIV in Africa.
" We are tired "
On the continent, more and more seropositive patients are on anti-retroviral treatment. But Eric Goemaere, a doctor at Doctors Without Borders (MSF), says nearly half of his South African patients are dropping the pills at one time or another. In question, a difficult access to the health centers that distribute them: " You have to queue. It takes a whole day to come and often, it's expensive. We are tired of taking these pills every day. It's stigmatizing. Do not forget them, always have them with you. This is not a long-term solution . "
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"Extended-release medications" would, for their part, take more distant doses, with an injection every month, or every two months, or the placement of an implant under the skin that could last even longer. According to Carmen Perez Casas, strategy director at Unitaid, they would also be more effective: " I think it's revolutionary, because the absorption is so regular, there is no peak absorption of drug, and so the virus is controlled. "
AIDS prevention
For now, much of the research focuses on the application of this type of drug to AIDS prevention. But many hope to see him apply to HIV treatment within a few years.
► ICASA Conference: Towards an AIDS-free Africa?
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