Cabotegravir and rilpivirine long acting injections are in development for the treatment of HIV-1 patients that are considered clinically suitable for injectable therapy. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a type of viral infection caused by a virus referred as retrovirus. HIV-1 is the most common and highly communicable type of HIV. HIV is a lifelong, chronic disease that nowadays can be managed with antiretroviral therapies. Usually patients take between one and 4 or 6 tablets a day. Failing to do so will result in a weaken immune system and increased vulnerability to infections. Cabotegravir is a type of drug known as integrase inhibitor, is designed to block the action of a viral enzyme that inserts the viral genome into the DNA of the host cell. Since integration is a vital step in retroviral replication, blocking it can halt further spread of the virus. Rilpivirine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, it binds to and blocks HIV reverse transcriptase (an HIV enzyme). Blocking reverse transcriptase and reverse transcription prevents HIV from replicating. The injectable formulation of cabotegravir and rilpivirine administered once every two months has the potential to give people living with HIV two months between doses with similar safety and efficacy as today’s standard of care.
Cabotegravir in combination with rilpivirine long acting injection for the treatment of HIV-1 infection
