Broadly neutralizing antibodies show promise for HIV treatment

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) show potential in long-acting HIV treatment options according to new research. Two studies presented at the CROI 2024 conference in San Francisco reveal that these antibodies could work well with existing treatments like lenacapavir and cabotegravir. One study examined the combination of lenacapavir with two bnAbs, teropavimab and zinlirvimab. This treatment was tested in a Phase II clinical trial involving 80 participants who had maintained viral suppression on their previous regimen. Participants were switched to the new combination, receiving injections of lenacapavir and infusions of the two bnAbs every six months. Results showed that 96% of participants maintained viral suppression after 26 weeks and experienced no severe side effects. The second presentation focused on combining cabotegravir with another bnAb, N6LS. This study found that those receiving this combination maintained viral suppression more effectively than a control group. Participants received either intravenous or subcutaneous injections of N6LS every four months alongside monthly cabotegravir injections. Again, side effects were mostly mild and manageable. Researchers believe these findings could make HIV treatment easier for patients, with less frequent dosing required. Gilead is also developing an even longer-lasting formulation of lenacapavir. The success of these studies paves the way for more convenient and effective HIV therapies.