The first long-acting HIV treatment arrives on December 17 in France. The association of two molecules, that is to say a bite by buttock every two months, is necessary to abandon the daily pill.
It is a revolution in the treatment of HIV. Forty years after the discovery of the virus responsible for AIDS, the lives of people living with HIV are becoming more comfortable. From this Tuesday, December 21, the daily pill can be replaced by two injections every two months. The official journal of December 17 announces in fact the reimbursement of this new treatment, which had obtained a marketing authorization a year earlier.
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“Now in France, people living with virologically controlled HIV-1 can receive long-acting treatment”, rejoices in a press release ViiV Healthcare, the laboratory that markets it. Concretely, the first three catches are made in the hospital before being able to be carried out in town, by a doctor or a nurse. It takes two injections of 3 mL per dose: specifically, a prick per buttock. Because it is the association of two molecules, Cabotegravir (marketed under the name Vocabria) and Rilpivirine (marketed as Rekambys) which allows this long-acting treatment to work.
Supported HIV treatment
On the side effects side, a hematoma and pain, even fever, are felt in one in 10 people treated. “Reaction of less and less frequency over time”, puts the laboratory in perspective with TÊTU. Note that taking certain antibiotics prevents the delivery of the new treatment, and that to benefit from it, the patient must have a controlled viral load for six months.
If initially, an oral phase was necessary, it is ultimately optional, without additional risk. “Patients can make an appointment at the hospital as early as this week”, tells us the company that trained doctors. As for the cost, if it takes about 43,560 dollars in the United States where the injectable treatment is already available, it is 7,600 euros for the six annual injections of the two molecules in France, where social security takes charge of 100 %.
Obviously, the 173,000 people living with HIV in France, especially those who hate injections, will not all want this injectable treatment. Obvious advantage for people concerned with discretion or ease, the injection every two months is less restrictive than the daily pill. In particular, it allows you to be more peaceful in the face of possible forgetfulness, or to travel without worrying about running out of tablets. Moreover, this is only the first step since research is already working on a treatment every six months or every year. And maybe, soon, finally a vaccine?
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Crédit photo : Shutterstock
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