Long-acting agents for HIV infection: biological aspects, role in treatment and prevention, and patient's perspective

Current cART regimens are highly potent and well tolerated, but long-term toxicities, drug-drug interactions, lifetime costs and scarce option for multiclass failed patients could limit the efficacy of treatment itself. Long-acting formulations of antiretrovirals, which could potentially replace daily tablets, have been developed and are under investigation for prevention and treatment of HIV infection. Cabotegravir and rilpivirine represent the first drugs studied in this context. The aim of this review is to summarize the biological bases, the available information on completed and ongoing clinical trials and the potential development of long-acting regimens for the treatment and prevention of HIV infection.