Innovative therapies are helping to bring the end of the HIV epidemic one step closer
As the fight against HIV enters a new chapter, innovation, and the new therapies it brings, has the potential to transform the lives of those living with HIV.
In the four decades since HIV was discovered, extraordinary progress has been made.
Gone are the days of round-the-clock pill regimens, with improvements in prevention and treatment meaning that people living with HIV can now live as long as everyone else.
The 38% reduction in new HIV diagnoses since 2010 can be put down, in part, to the medical community’s continued commitment to innovation. But with current approaches still struggling to reach those disproportionately affected by HIV – including low-income individuals and women – the relentless push for a breakthrough remains vital.
New HIV diagnoses since 2010
Dr. Babafemi Taiwo is Chief of Infectious Diseases at Northwestern University. With over 30 years of experience in the HIV field, he has witnessed first-hand the need for constant reinvention.
“We are not going to end the epidemic by producing new drugs that only reach the same people,” says Dr Taiwo.
So, we must learn lessons from the past and look ahead to ensure we are reaching those most affected by HIV.
Dr. Babafemi Taiwo
As we enter a new phase, where the dream of ending the epidemic could become a reality, stakeholders across the healthcare spectrum are again emphasizing the need for the next wave of innovations to reach those disproportionately impacted by HIV.
ViiV Healthcare, the only company 100% dedicated to discovering and developing medicines for HIV, is part of the community of researchers, scientists, and advocates investing in the next generation of innovation.
Its cutting-edge approach invests in treatments that not only effectively suppress the virus, but also try and enhance quality of life. This holistic model of care recognizes the unique needs of individuals, to develop approaches that may provide greater convenience, sensitivity, and freedom.
“Our model is no person left behind,” says Dr Kimberly Smith, Head of Research and Development for ViiV Healthcare.
We hear from people living with HIV who have said their lives changed once they have begun treatment more suited to their needs.
Dr Kimberly Smith
At the heart of ViiV’s pipeline lies the Branford research facility in Connecticut, USA, one of the few centers in the world dedicated entirely to the discovery and development of medicines for HIV.
Opened in 2017, this state-of-the-art facility acts as the nerve center for over 30 specialized scientists who work tirelessly across the spectrum of drug development, from early-stage discovery and development research to licensing and distribution.
Its distinctive setup, which encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing, brings in a diverse array of voices to ensure that the clinical process reflects the needs of those living with HIV.
Branford’s work is constantly evolving, using real-world insights from medicine use to discover the next generation of therapies. This has led to the development of new options that require fewer doses throughout the year to treat, or prevent, HIV.
“Treatments that harness the body’s natural virus-fighting capabilities offer amazing potential in our fight against HIV,” says Dr Smith.
By investing in these therapies, we are poised to usher in a new era of treatment and prevention where individuals may have the potential to live healthier, more empowered lives.
Dr Kimberly Smith
The global HIV pipeline not only has the potential to improve the efficacy of treatment but also bridge the accessibility gap – particularly for those disproportionately impacted by HIV.
One of the most exciting developments is long-acting (LA) therapies. With the potential for extended dosing intervals and simplified treatment regimens, LA therapies may have the opportunity to radically shift outcomes for people living with HIV and those who could benefit from pre-exposure prophylaxis, known as PrEP, to prevent HIV.
- Alleviate the constant mental burden of daily dosing
- Reduce the fear of transmission
- Enhance treatment adherence
- Address the subtle, yet significant mental health challenges faced by individuals living with HIV today
Health is not the absence of disease; it's the state of complete physical, social, and mental well-being.
Dr. Babafemi Taiwo
Our goal is for all those living with HIV to reach this state.
As new therapies continue to improve the lives of those living with HIV, innovation looks to create a future where every individual, regardless of their HIV status, can thrive.
