Letermovir improves immune function in HIV patients

A new study has found that the antiviral drug letermovir can improve immune function and reduce inflammation in people living with HIV. This was presented at the recent Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in San Francisco. Letermovir is primarily used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) in patients but has shown promising results for those with HIV who are already on effective antiretroviral therapy. Researchers noted that letermovir led to improvements in immune markers, such as CD4 T-cell counts, which are crucial for a strong immune response. Dr. Sara Gianella Weibel from the University of California San Diego led the study. She highlighted that this is one of the most exciting developments for reducing inflammation and its effects on aging in HIV patients in the past two decades. Despite being on treatment, many HIV-positive individuals still experience chronic inflammation, which can lead to other health issues. CMV is common and typically harmless for healthy people. However, it can reactivate in those with weakened immune systems, which is a concern for people with HIV. The study revealed that participants treated with letermovir saw improvements in several inflammation markers over 48 weeks. Participants who received letermovir experienced less inflammation compared to those who did not, and their immune function improved. The study also showed better physical health outcomes, such as improved strength and mobility in those taking letermovir. Although some participants reported minor side effects like diarrhea and headaches, there were no serious safety concerns. Researchers are hopeful that with further studies and potentially lower costs, letermovir could become a viable long-term treatment option for managing CMV among people living with HIV. Overall, the findings suggest that treating CMV with letermovir may not only help control the virus but also offer broader health benefits for people with HIV.