A few entry inhibitors (EIs), a new class of meds that prevent HIV from entering cells, made progress in the drug-development pipeline this year. One, aplaviroc, stopped trials in October (it caused liver damage), but four others continue to be tested. EIs, useful for anyone with HIV, carry hope for people who have resistance to the other groups of HIV meds—nukes, non-nukes and protease inhibitors (PIs).
In late October, a new version of the PI Kaletra was approved by the FDA. A tablet will replace the gel cap, cutting the number of pills taken each day from six to four. Unlike the old orange capsule, the tab doesn’t have to be taken with food or refrigerated. It may also cause fewer gastrointestinal side effects.
In other, less cheery news: A recent study shows that HIV positive people are sometimes missing doses of their meds, which can cause the virus to become resistant to the drugs. Another study reports that more than 25% of people with HIV feel their doctors and other medical care providers discriminate against them. So HIV stigma is not a thing of the past.
HIV News
A new class of HIV meds, a PI makeover, and other findings
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