New HIV Treatment Options on the Horizon with Ultra-Long-Acting Injectables

Groundbreaking research presented at the 33rd Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) 2026 suggests a future where HIV treatment could involve injections administered just twice a year. Three experimental injectable antiretrovirals – a novel capsid inhibitor and two next-generation integrase inhibitors – are showing promising results, potentially revolutionizing HIV care by significantly reducing dosing frequency.

Ultra-Long-Acting Therapies: A New Era in HIV Treatment

ViiV Healthcare and Gilead Sciences are at the forefront of developing these ultra-long-acting therapies. The research focuses on extending dosing intervals while maintaining viral suppression and prevention efficacy, addressing a critical require within the HIV community. Jean van Wyk, MBChB, MFPM, Chief Medical Officer at ViiV Healthcare, emphasized the commitment to delivering long-acting therapies that meet the needs of people impacted by HIV Infection Control Today.

Investigational Drugs Show Promise

Pharmacokinetic data presented at CROI 2026 indicates the potential for twice-yearly injections with the following investigational drugs:

• VH-499 (ViiV Healthcare): A novel capsid inhibitor.
• VH-184 (ViiV Healthcare): A next-generation integrase strand transfer inhibitor – the first of its kind. Phase I data evaluating injectable long-acting formulations showed promising results regarding pharmacokinetics and potential durability ViiV Medical Information.
• GS-3242 (Gilead Sciences): A pipeline integrase inhibitor.

Early laboratory analyses suggest VH-184 demonstrates a favorable resistance profile compared to bictegravir, positioning it as a potential advancement in integrase inhibitor innovation The Hype Magazine.

Safety and Next Steps

All three drugs were reported as safe and generally well-tolerated in initial studies. Phase II studies are anticipated to begin this year, further evaluating the efficacy and safety of these promising new treatments Managed Healthcare Executive.

Implications for HIV Prevention and Treatment

These advancements represent a significant step towards simplifying HIV treatment and prevention strategies. Reduced dosing frequency could improve adherence, leading to better viral suppression and improved health outcomes for people living with HIV. The development of ultra-long-acting options also expands possibilities for prevention, particularly for individuals who may face challenges with daily oral medication.