Britain takes a major step ahead in treatment of HIV
January 29, 2008
A new class of drug for HIV patients is being introduced in the UK. Researchers mention it as a major step ahead in treatment of the deadly infection. Raltegravir is available as tablets to be had twice a day, and is approved for usage along with other antiretroviral drugs for treating HIV specifically in about one in ten HIV infected people whose therapy has ceased working. Owing to their potential of prolonging life even by decades, HIV drugs are thought to be cost-effective. Raltegravir is most likely to be made available on the NHS for all HIV infected people.
Doctors feel that it could well become standard treatment, thus potentially stopping HIV from becoming full-blown Aids. Trials in this regard have shown encouraging results in terms of a reduction in viral load. Some patients showed a major improvement even to the point where the virus levels were ‘undetectable’.
An estimated 73,000 people in the country are infected with HIV that culminates in Aids. Early diagnosis coupled with appropriate treatment of HIV infection can result in a relatively healthier and normal lifespan for the infected people. However, HIV continually can become immune to treatment, making an updated search for new drugs mandatory. Raltegravir is among the first in a new class of advanced HIV treatments termed integrase inhibitors that is expected to cut down the risks of cancer and heart attack associated with prevailing medication.
Comments
Got something to say?
