Monthly shots for HIV as effective as daily pills, two large studies show

Monthly shots of a combination HIV medication work just as well against the virus as daily pills, researchers announced yesterday. If regulators approve this new dosing, it would offer patients a more convenient way to take their medication — and may help improve treatment adherence. Two big international studies — one in people already taking pills for HIV and one in people who hadn’t yet begun treatment — tested the efficacy of a long-acting shot of rilpivirine, sold as Edurant, and an experimental drug known as cabotegravir. After nearly a year, the number of people with traces of virus in their blood was similar, regardless of whether they received the monthly shots or the daily pills.