A potential new drug-delivery system, being tested in UNMC's HIV Clinic as part of a clinical trial, might not only treat the condition, but offer additional peace of mind. In a few decades, HIV has gone from being a death sentence to a chronic condition. These days, many of us who don't have it think about it infrequently, if at all. But, those who have HIV have to think about it every time they swallow another pill. But UNMC's clinic is one of a handful of sites nationwide taking part in a clinical trial that tests the efficacy of getting periodic injections rather than taking pills. "This is something that's never been done before," said Uriel Sandkovsky, M.D., assistant professor of internal medicine. "Injectable medicine is something we've been waiting for for years." These injections, theoretically, last for long periods of time. So, you're good for a good while. That way, there's no forgetting to take your pills. But, you can forget that you have to. "It allows me to put that to the back of my mind," said a clinical trial participant, who asked to remain anonymous. "I have had a lot of anxiety finding out that I was HIV-positive." And he would be reminded of that anxiety every time he took a pill. But, getting two shots every four weeks? "For lack of a better term, I feel normal," he said. Susan Swindells, M.B.B.S., professor of internal medicine and the clinic's medical director, is not surprised. A 2012 UNMC study told her much the same thing. Given a choice, many HIV-infected patients would prefer periodic injections instead of daily pills. And, for many, it goes beyond convenience, or even peace of mind. "Some have competing subsistence demands," Dr. Swindells said. "They need a roof over their head and food. They're worried about the security of themselves and their children, keeping the electricity on. Medicine-taking is down the list. It gets forgotten and left off. "Although this is in the early stages of development, this option, where you'd come here for an injection every other month or so, would be fantastic." The drugs were developed by the pharmaceutical company ViiV, which wanted to work with UNMC on this project due to the medical center's longstanding role as a leader in HIV-drug research. Howard Gendelman, M.D., chair of pharmacology and experimental neuroscience, also is studying the ViiV drugs in his lab.
UNMC trial explores injectable HIV medications
