A large international study found that a combination of islatravir and lenacapavir taken once a week can suppress HIV just as effectively as daily therapy. This could become a convenient alternative and help reduce “pill fatigue.”
The study involved 607 people from 12 countries. After 48 weeks, more than 93% of participants in both groups maintained suppressed viral loads, meaning the virus remained under control. There were no cases of virologic failure, and in the weekly group, no one’s viral load reached the set threshold.
For now, this is not about replacing treatment for everyone: the new regimen does not work against hepatitis B and is not suitable for all people living with HIV. Researchers are continuing follow-up to assess long-term efficacy and safety. At the same time, the once-weekly option could take a middle position between daily pills and regular injections.
