Efficacy

Efficacy of Cabenuva (cabotegravir + rilpivirine)

Cabenuva is a combination of two antiretroviral medications, cabotegravir and rilpivirine, which is used for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in adults. Cabenuva is administered as an intramuscular injection once a month or every two months, offering an alternative to daily oral HIV medications. Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of Cabenuva in maintaining viral suppression in individuals who were previously stable on an oral regimen. The ATLAS and FLAIR studies, pivotal phase 3 trials, showed that Cabenuva was as effective as continuing a daily oral therapy in maintaining viral suppression in adults with HIV-1.

The efficacy of Cabenuva is measured by its ability to maintain an undetectable viral load, which is a key indicator of successful HIV treatment. In the trials, a high percentage of participants maintained viral suppression through 48 weeks, with some trials extending to 96 weeks, indicating long-term efficacy. Additionally, Cabenuva has been found to have a favorable safety profile, with most adverse events being mild to moderate and generally manageable.

Efficacy of Sunlenca (lenacapavir)

Sunlenca, also known as lenacapavir, is a novel antiretroviral medication that has shown promise in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. It is a long-acting drug that inhibits the HIV capsid, a protein shell that encloses the viral RNA, thereby interfering with multiple stages of the HIV lifecycle. Sunlenca is designed for use in combination with other antiretroviral drugs and has shown efficacy in both treatment-naïve individuals and those with multi-drug resistant HIV.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that lenacapavir, when used in combination with other antiretrovirals, can significantly reduce viral load in individuals with HIV. The CAPELLA trial, for example, focused on heavily treatment-experienced individuals with multi-drug resistant HIV. The results indicated that a majority of participants achieved a significant reduction in viral load following treatment with lenacapavir. The drug is administered via subcutaneous injection every six months, making it a convenient option for patients who struggle with adherence to daily medication regimens. The sustained-release formulation of lenacapavir supports its long-term efficacy in maintaining viral suppression in individuals with HIV/AIDS.