HIV Therapy VH184 Being Developed for Twice-Yearly Dosing

A new investigational HIV therapy, VH184, is being developed to reduce treatment burden while addressing one of the field’s growing concerns: drug resistance. In a recent discussion, Martin Gartland, PhD, vice president and medicine development leader at ViiV Healthcare, highlighted findings from early-phase research, including the possibility of twice-yearly dosing and a favorable resistance profile.

One of the most notable aspects of VH184 is its potential dosing schedule.

“This interval for people living with HIV of twice yearly is important,” Gartland said, emphasizing that less frequent dosing could simplify care and increase adherence. For patients, this means fewer clinic visits and less disruption to daily life. “It ultimately means a simplification of the treatment schedule… they don't have to come into the clinic as often. It makes it a smaller part of their lives,” Gartland explained. The benefits could extend beyond patients, easing strain on healthcare systems as well, with fewer appointments and potentially lower costs.

Beyond convenience, VH184 may also help address the evolving issue of resistance to integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs), a cornerstone of modern HIV therapy. While resistance remains relatively rare, the widespread use of INSTIs means even a small percentage translates into a substantial number of affected individuals.

“When you have that many people on INSTIs… even a small percentage means a large number of people,” said Gartland. This challenge is becoming more visible globally, particularly in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa.

Encouragingly, early in vitro data suggest VH184 may retain activity in cases where resistance to existing therapies has developed.

“To have a drug, once you have developed resistance to second generation INSTIs is going to be very important,” said Gartland, pointing out that current alternatives, such as protease inhibitors, are less desirable in many cases. This positions VH184 as a potentially valuable option for patients with limited treatment choices.

Despite these promising signals, the therapy remains in early development. Initial tolerability data indicate that injection site reactions are “broadly similar” to those seen with currently available long-acting treatments, though more data are needed as trials progress. Key questions remain around optimizing dosing strategies and confirming long-term viral suppression.

Looking ahead, Gartland expressed optimism about VH184’s broader role. “It has the opportunity to play a big part across the whole spectrum of treatment for HIV.”

As VH184 advances into later-stage trials, its ability to combine convenience, durability, and resistance management could make it another potential treatment option in HIV care.