A United States-based Kenyan scientist Professor Benson Edagwa and his colleagues at the University of Nebraska Medical Center have unveiled the world’s first antiretroviral (ARV) drug to be taken once-a-year.
The team has already sampled the new drug on mice and non-human apes and observed that it was safe and effective.
Speaking on the new drug Prof Edagwa who designed and produced the required modifications of the new product said:
This occurs for extended time periods, and in laboratory and animal testing, up to a year.
The scientists modified an existing ARV drug, cabotegravir, to enable the body to absorb and release it slowly from tissues over 12 months.
The scientists said that the new pill could also act as a vaccine for healthy people who take it and have unprotected sex cautioning that it was, however. “not a cure for HIV/Aids.”
Professor Edagwa said some of the advantages of the new drug are reduced clinic visits, a development that will enable health caregivers to provide other essential services like immunisations and also the patients would have more time for other economic activities.
More: The Star