Researchers at the Duke University Medical Center have discovered that HIV patients who take fewer pills tend to do better than patients on a more complex medical regimen. Based on an analysis of more than 3,000 patients involved in triple-drug combination trials to treat HIV infection, researchers speculate that patients who take fewer pills, as few as four a day, are more likely to adhere to their medication regimen - and therefore receive the greatest benefits of the therapy – than those on complex regimens who must take up to 16 pills at different times during the day.
Researchers at the Duke University Medical Center have discovered that HIV patients who take fewer pills tend to do better than patients on a more complex medical regimen. Based on an analysis of more than 3,000 patients involved in triple-drug combination trials to treat HIV infection, researchers speculate that patients who take fewer pills, as few as four a day, are more likely to adhere to their medication regimen - and therefore receive the greatest benefits of the therapy â than those on complex regimens who must take up to 16 pills at different times during the day.
"This study is an affirmation of our clinical experience that simpler regimens may lead to better treatment outcomes," said Dr. John Bartlett, director of clinical research at the Duke University Center for AIDS Research. "The results of the current study would seem to emphasize the importance of developing drug regimens that are simple, potent and easy for patients to take.
"We assume that the reason for better outcomes is improved adherence," Bartlett continued. "Other studies have shown that fewer pills can lead to better adherence, but this is the first to demonstrate a link to better outcomes."
In clinical trials for antiretroviral agents, the key indicator of success is the number of copies of HIV genetic material detectable in the blood. The number indicates how the virus is replicating, and for the study, less than 50 copies per milliliter of blood indicates that a medication has been successful.
"We found that about 75% of patients on the simplest regimens had less than 50 copies of HIV RNA in their blood," Bartlett said. "In comparison, only about 20% of patients with the most complex regimens had less than 50 copies. We know that levels less than 50 are an important indicator of a durable response to the medications."
Concluded Bartlett: "We controlled for the kinds of drugs that were being used and their combinations. Even after this analysis, the pill count was still a statistically significant indicator of patient outcome." PR
The Weight-Loss Gold Rush: Legal and Regulatory Implications
July 11th 2024Jim Shehan, chair of the FDA Regulatory practice, Lowenstein Sandler, discusses how the FDA and other regulators likely to respond to the increased public interest and potential off-label use of GLP-1 drugs, what needs to be done for GLP-1s to be covered, advice for investors and financiers considering entering the weight-loss medication market and more.
Healthcare Marketing Strategies for Reaching Diverse Audiences
May 14th 2024Amanda Powers-Han, Chief Marketing Officer, Greater Than One, and Pharmaceutical Executive Editorial Advisory Board member, discusses how improved DE&I in healthcare marketing strategies can not only reach diverse audiences more effectively but also contribute to improved patient care outcomes, challenges faced in crafting culturally sensitive messages, and much more.