This one-two approach proved to be the turning point in the growingpandemic.
The new approach was quickly dubbed HAART and immediately implemented as the standard of care.
By the turn of the century, a 20-year-old on antiretroviral therapy could potentially live to their early 50s.
Justin Sullivan / Getty Images News / Getty Images
Within this context, “highly effective” was as indicative of HAART’s limitations as its benefits.
Beyond HAART
By 2000, the limitations of the available antiretroviral drugs became increasingly clear.
The risks of early treatment at the time were seen to outweigh the benefits.
In 2023, the FDA approved the first capsid inhibitor, Sunlenca (lenacapavir).
One such example is an updated version of Viread called tenofovir alafenamide (TAF).
Today, there are 22 of these all-in-one drugs approved by the FDA.
Redefining Combination Therapy
The term HAART has long been synonymous with triple-drug therapy.
The combination has proven to be just as effective as standard triple therapy with fewer side effects.
Advances like these redefine what ART means and what it might eventually become.
Without exception, the benefits of treatment far outweigh any concerns about the drugs or their side effects.
Moreover, the benefits extend to those who are not infected.
26(10):1231-41. doi:10.1097/QAD.0b013e32835521a3
GlaxoSmithKline.Package insert - Retrovir (zidovudine).
3(6):e207954.
4(2): 72-9.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.FDA-approved HIV medications.
22(4):242-8.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves first two-drug complete regimen for HIV-infected patients who have never received antiretroviral treatment.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves Cabenuva and Vocabria for the treatment of HIV-1 infection.
GSKPro.com.Highlights of prescribing information: CABENUVA (cabotegravir extended-release injectable suspension; rilpivirine extended-release injectable suspension).
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.Final draft recommendation: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection: Screening.
