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HIV Injections Outperform Daily Pills in Suppressing Virus for Adolescents: Study
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News18•20-09-2026, 16:00
HIV Injections Outperform Daily Pills in Suppressing Virus for Adolescents: Study
- •A clinical trial in Africa found that eight-weekly HIV injections were more effective than daily tablets in suppressing the virus among adolescents.
- •The LATA trial, involving 476 adolescents aged 12-19, showed only 1% of injection recipients experienced viral rebound compared to 6% on daily tablets after 96 weeks.
- •Nearly all participants (94%) in the injectable group preferred the bi-monthly treatment, citing ease and reduced stigma compared to daily pills.
- •Researchers advocate for wider access to these long-acting injectables in low- and middle-income settings, especially in Africa where 9 out of 10 HIV-positive adolescents reside.
- •Challenges to wider access include higher costs, patent restrictions, refrigeration needs for rilpivirine, and the requirement for trained staff to administer injections.
Key Questions Answered
The LATA clinical trial showed that eight-weekly injections kept the virus suppressed more effectively than daily tablets. Only 1 percent of adolescents receiving the injectable treatment experienced viral rebound after 96 weeks, compared to 6 percent of those taking daily tablets.
The LATA trial involved 476 adolescents aged 12 to 19 across five clinics located in Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
Expanding access faces hurdles because the medicines are more expensive under patent, require specialized manufacturing, and lack generic versions. Additionally, rilpivirine requires refrigeration during storage, and trained nursing staff are needed to administer the injections every eight weeks.
