HIV injections work better than tablets for young people, clinical trial finds
A clinical trial conducted in Africa found that long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy is more effective than daily tablets for adolescents living with HIV. Researchers are now advocating for wider accessibility of these injections to improve health outcomes and reduce stigma.
Why it matters
This finding could significantly improve HIV management for young people, particularly in regions where daily pill adherence is hindered by social stigma and logistical challenges.
edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Robert Egan
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Add as preferred source Credit: https://kaboompics.com/ from Pexels Young people living with HIV manage their condition better when their antiretroviral therapy is given by injections every eight weeks rather than daily tablets, according to results of a trial in Africa led by UCL (University College London) researchers.
In a paper published in The Lancet , the team found that the injections were more effective at keeping the virus suppressed than tablets and called for efforts to make this treatment more accessible worldwide.
Although HIV is currently incurable, antiretrovirals can help people live long, healthy lives and greatly reduce the risk of the virus being transmitted to others. About 1.6 million adolescents ages 10–19 live with HIV.
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