Cabotegravir (oral tablet) in combination with rilpivirine (oral tablet) for the short-term treatment of HIV-1 infection

Cabotegravir and rilpivirine tablets are in development as an oral lead-in therapy for a period of approximately one month as a short-term oral bridging treatment for Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV-1) patients that are considered eligible for the long-acting injectable cabotegravir and rilpivirine therapy. HIV is a type of viral infection caused by a type of virus referred to as a 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 (ARTs). Since HIV virus can quickly adapt and become resistant, a combination of ART drugs is normally used. Usually patients take between one and 4 or 6 tablets a day. Failing to do so will result in a weakened immune system and increased vulnerability to infections.
Cabotegravir is a type of ART designed to block the action of a specific viral enzyme that integrates 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 binds to and blocks a different type of enzyme that also prevents HIV from replicating. Short term treatment with oral formulations of cabotegravir and rilpivirine helps establishes the tolerability of treatment prior to the long-acting.