Researchers at the University of Nairobi (UoN), Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (CEMA), have released results of three studies that could significantly transform the treatment of older adults living with HIV across Africa.
Researchers found that the standard HIV treatment may cause more harm than good in this demographic, particularly to bone and kidney health, and that more age-appropriate options are both needed and feasible.
“Older people with HIV are a neglected population,” said Dr Loice Ombajo, an infectious disease specialist and co-director at CEMA.
“The B/F/TAF is a study focused on people aged 60 and above living with HIV. It helps us understand how ageing, HIV, and chronic illnesses intersect in African settings. With the right partnerships and investment in research and development, we can deliver HIV treatment that is not only effective, but also safe, acceptable, and better suited for older adults.”
The B/F/TAF study, which is short for Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide the involved 520 people living with HIV who were 60 years and older and had been on antiretroviral treatment for over 10 years.
In this study, the researchers examined whether dual therapy can be just as effective as traditional three-drug treatments, especially for older adults dealing with multiple chronic illnesses.
Preliminary results from Sungura at 24 weeks were promising. There were no cases of virologic failure or participant drop-out, and all participants maintained viral suppression. Researchers say these findings support growing global evidence that dual therapy can be effective and safer for select populations.
Kidney function, bone mineral density (BMD), vertebral fractures, and frailty markers to compare health trajectories over time.
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