Treatment News : An HIV Drug Delivery Patch in the Pipeline

ImQuest Biosciences, based in Frederick, Maryland, is developing a skin patch to deliver antiretroviral medications, according to a presentation at the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Annual Meeting and Exposition being held October 23 through 27 in Washington, DC. Though the patch is in very early stages of development—it has not yet been studied in animals, let alone humans—it holds great promise for people living with HIV, the researchers suggest.

According to lead presenter Anthony Ham, PhD, of ImQuest, a single transdermal patch can be used to deliver seven days of medication into the bloodstream.

“As we enter the fourth decade of HIV/AIDS, this new delivery method will hopefully reduce the numerous pills most HIV patients have to take daily,” said Ham in an AAPS press announcement. “Taking medicines regularly reduces symptoms in HIV patients and extends lives. The transdermal patch offers an easier option for patients to comply with their medication regimes as compared to current treatments.”

This non-invasive patch also shows a potential economic advantage in terms of shipping costs as compared to pills or needles. With an estimated 15 million people living with HIV in developing countries and only 5.3 million people with access to treatment, Ham and his colleagues suggest the patch offers a more affordable and accessible way to address this unmet medical need.

Trish Steen, Kansas City, MO, 2012-01-03 15:21:19
Sounds good, but I'm with others. We need a vaccine or cure. Patching us up temporarily isn't gonna stop the epidemic. All this does is put more $$$ into big PHARMA. And I'd bet this patch will cost way, way more than the Meds we already swallow. Let's get down to it, stop the bull & work toward ending the epidemic for good! And just to add, I think Prevention With Positives is another ploy to keep us on Meds feeding the pockets of PHARMA. Sickening!!

Bill Rydwels, CHICAGO, IL, 2011-12-08 08:52:25
Have patience, keep on schedule,and know as I do that you'll be here for the CURE. Have been + for over 26 years and am close t0 80 y.o.

Mitch, , 2011-11-18 13:15:13
Sounds like another stupid marketing ploy from the same greedy drug companies that want to keep us dependent on their drugs until we die, enabled by nonexistent oversight and the HIV community's tendency to call every minor novelty "progress". Can we get a f**king cure already, or at least something that actually fights the "comorbidities"?

Colin, , 2011-11-07 13:21:09
Patches have a nasty habit of falling off (ask anyone who has used a quit smoking patch). I would prefer something to put under the skin that lasts a year or longer.

Curymichaels, Boston, 2011-11-05 05:04:04
I would love to test this out. This sounds amazing. I am so proud of where research has taken us over the years.

Silkylock, , 2011-11-03 17:37:31
Hoorah! Less worry Less Stress! Just wondering how long will someone have to wear the patch to assure the seven day levels will be met? Also, will this way of administering the drug; lessen the toxic levels the drugs already produce? My prayers are with the scientist! Great Job! Silkylock

boluke, Moses Lake, 2011-11-03 02:00:38
They should be finding a cure instead of a patch !

Amie, , 2011-11-02 22:15:48
I was wondering why I can not gain any weight. I look healthy and feel ok. I eat all time, but nevre gain a lb. I have losted about 50lbs.

Roberto J., Gulfport, MS, 2011-11-02 12:16:05
Heck yeah ill take that when available.

David, Omaha, 2011-10-27 14:07:12
count me in, this would and will be a big step forward