A groundbreaking new HIV treatment could enable patients to go without daily medication for up to two years, according to researchers at Imperial College London. The therapy, a combination of two broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs), offers a potential alternative to daily antiretroviral therapy (ART) for some individuals.
Trial Results Show Promise
The study, published in The Lancet HIV, involved 68 participants from Britain and Denmark between 2021 and 2024. Results showed that 75% of those receiving the antibody mix could stop ART for five months, 50% for one year, and approximately 25% for two years. The treatment was compared to a saline placebo and proved significantly more effective at suppressing the virus.
How the New Treatment Works
The drug uses two bNAbs, immune proteins that act as a physical barrier to the virus. Unlike ART, which requires daily dosing, this therapy provides long-term suppression. Professor Sarah Fidler, lead researcher, stated: “This is the first time a bNAb-based therapy has demonstrated viral load control of this duration and magnitude in a randomised placebo-controlled trial. These results open new possibilities for HIV treatment and bring us closer to our goal of finding a cure.”
Current HIV Landscape in the UK
Approximately 113,500 people live with HIV in the UK, with ART costing the NHS over £400 million annually. While ART is not a cure, it reduces the virus to undetectable levels, preventing transmission and progression to AIDS. However, daily adherence remains a challenge. The new antibody therapy could reduce this burden.
Future Research and Government Targets
Scientists aim to refine the treatment to benefit more patients for longer periods. The UK government has set a target to end HIV transmissions by 2030 through increased testing, awareness, and stigma reduction. Latest data show new diagnoses fell by 4% from 2023 to 2024, with 3,043 cases reported.
HIV spreads through infected bodily fluids, such as during sex, needle sharing, or childbirth. Without treatment, it can progress to AIDS, damaging the immune system and leading to serious illnesses. While no cure exists, this antibody therapy marks a significant step toward long-term viral control.
