Presentation:
Despite having near-perfect single tablet regimens, adherence to daily oral HIV treatment and prevention is unacceptably low in many settings. Long-acting and extended-release drugs and formulations hold promise for solving this problem and improving outcomes, facilitating the achievement of WHO targets for controlling this epidemic. The first LA/ER formulations for HIV treatment and prevention are now approved and available but are underutilized in LMICs, mainly because of access issues. There is a need for products with less frequent dosing, greater patient convenience, and reduced risk of virologic failure, as well as regimens that also suppress hepatitis B virus infection. Novel products must be accessible in resource-limited settings and for vulnerable populations that include children, adolescents, and pregnant women. Long-acting drug delivery also has the potential to transform the treatment and prevention of other infections including tuberculosis, malaria, and viral hepatitis. This presentation will review recent advances in formulation science that are going to help make available better replacements for daily oral drugs for HIV and many other infectious diseases.