AIDS Prevention With A Promising Implant: Is It Possible?

The second IAS (International AIDS Society) conference ended in Mexico City on Wednesday July 23. It is a major scientific symposium which brings together all the researchers and doctors from around the world currently working on this serious disease. Fortunately, experts have announced a lot of positive news about AIDS prevention, giving hope in the fight against HIV. This is an implant containing the antiretroviral agent MK-8591 (islatravir) that could protect uninfected people for a year. A pretty huge announcement for the world of health.

AIDS prevention thanks to a promising implant

Ten years ago, scientists introduced a pill-like drug that, taken every day, could dramatically reduce the risk of getting HIV by almost 99%. Known as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), this drug is considered to be a very effective means of preventing AIDS but its potential has not been fully exploited.

However, many experts in this field, as well as researchers at the pharmaceutical company Merck, say the latest research presented during the IAS conference is strong enough and has the potential to be a game-changer in the fight against the HIV virus. Regarding the implant, it was well tolerated by rodents and monkeys.



Ultimately, it is still unclear whether this implant would be available to those who need it. In addition, Merck needs to do more research to determine if the implant is safe for humans and if its effect actually lasts for a year.