The results of two trials, which examined the use of nanotechnology to improve drug therapies for HIV patients, found that a new nanomedicine method has the potential to cut the dose of leading HIV treatment in half, according to new evidence presented at the Conference of Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections.

Nanomedicine, the application of nanotechnology to prevent and treat disease, can be used to develop smaller pills that are better for patients who experience high pill burden, like those with HIV, and less expensive to manufacture.

Led by the University of Liverpool in collaboration with the St. Stephens AIDS Trust at the Chelsea & Westminster Hospital in London, researchers examined the use of orally dosed nanomedicine to better deliver drugs to patients with HIV. Because there is a high pill burden associated with treating HIV, nanomedicine, with the potential to develop smaller pills that are better for patients and less expensive to make, can change how the disease is managed.

To develop these new oral therapies, the investigators used Solid Drug Nanoparticle (SDN) technology, which can improve drug absorption into the body and lead to reductions in the dose and cost per dose. According to the trial results, using new approaches to formulation of efavirenz (EFV) and lopinavir (LPV) can potentially cut the dose of leading HIV treatment 50% while still maintaining therapeutic exposure. This University of Liverpool-led trial correlates with their work as part of OPTIMIZE, the global partnership working to improve access to simpler, safer and more affordable HIV treatment.

By aligning efforts, these integrated investments offer the potential to reduce the doses required to control the HIV virus even further, resulting in real benefits globally, Benny Kottiri, MD, division chief of USAIDs office of HIV/AIDS research, said in the press release. This would enable the costs of therapy to be reduced, which is particularly beneficial for resource-limited countries, where the burden of disease is highest. by Savannah Demko

References:

Owen A, et al. Abstract 459. Presented at: Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections; Feb. 13-16, 2017; Seattle.

Disclosure: Infectious Disease News was unable to confirm any relevant financial disclosures at the time of publication.

Read more from the original source:
Nanomedicine provides HIV treatment alternative - Healio