HIV Therapy: The Latest Developments in Antiviral Drugs-A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Pharmacology
• HIV/AIDS Research

Background:

• Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has advanced HIV management, but challenges like drug resistance, toxicity, adherence, and viral reservoirs persist.
• These challenges necessitate continuous innovation in anti-HIV drug development and delivery platforms.
• Recent progress aims to address these unmet needs in HIV treatment and prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of recent developments in anti-HIV drugs and delivery platforms.
• To identify new molecules in clinical development and novel mechanisms of action.
• To synthesize current advancements in HIV therapeutics.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search of major databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus) from January 2020 to September 2025.
• Screening of abstracts from key HIV conferences (CROI, IAS/AIDS, IDWeek, HIV Glasgow) from 2023-2025.
• Adherence to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) framework.

Main Results:

• Key developments include capsid inhibitors (e.g., lenacapavir) for multidrug-resistant HIV and prevention, and long-acting injectables (cabotegravir/rilpivirine).
• Maturation inhibitors (zabofiravir) and attachment inhibitors (fostemsavir) represent novel mechanisms of action.
• Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) show potential for ART-free suppression, and ultra-long-acting delivery systems are progressing.

Conclusions:

• The HIV drug pipeline is expanding with new targets, combination strategies, and less frequent dosing regimens.
• Successful implementation requires strategies that consider drug resistance, ensure equitable access, and adapt healthcare delivery for new technologies.
• Future directions emphasize innovative solutions for long-term HIV management and prevention.