Advancing HIV Prevention and Treatment: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, Toxicokinetics, Formulation and Delivery of Antiretroviral Drugs
A special issue of Pharmaceutics (ISSN 1999-4923). This special issue belongs to the section "Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 53
Special Issue Editor
Interests: HIV prevention; antiretroviral pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics; antiretroviral adverse effects; optimizing treatment in older people with HIV
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Investigations of antiretroviral pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicokinetics have substantially advanced both the treatment and prevention of HIV, and they will continue to do so with the next generation of novel drugs and delivery systems. Within the prevention domain, it is critical to understand the relationship between drug exposure, adherence, and effectiveness in blood, immune cells, and mucosal surfaces in order to optimize the dosing and real-word use of antiretrovirals in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users. The low adherence to study drug treatment in large Phase III clinical trials particularly relies on clinical pharmacology and PK/PD modeling and simulation to provide insight into designing regimens that consider user preferences. In people with HIV, currently recommended antiretroviral regimens are far more effective and far less toxic than in the past; however, drug–drug interactions, regimen simplification while maintaining viral suppression, and adverse effects such as weight gain and reduced renal function remain relevant topics of clinical research.
Long-acting injectable formulations of antiretrovirals represent a significant advancement in HIV care. These formulations enable sustained drug release, with dosing intervals of one or two months, reducing the risk of patients developing resistance due to fluctuating drug levels. Moreover, novel drug delivery systems such as polymer-coated nanoparticle antiretrovirals may address some of the limitations of current drugs. These nanoparticles can enhance drug delivery to important tissues, reduce dosing requirements, and facilitate drug penetration into lymphoid and central nervous system sites. The first ultra-long acting antiretroviral (ULA-ART) is approved in the US and Europe for dosing every six months, with additional agents and an even longer-acting formulation on the horizon. These therapies, which may include implantable devices and advanced injectable formulations, could offer even greater convenience for patients.
This Special Issue will provide readers with an overview of the current controversies and advancements in HIV PrEP and HIV treatment, with a focus on the use of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic tools to solve clinical problems. It will also highlight recent developments in novel drug formulations and delivery systems, such as long-acting injectables, transdermal patches, and other innovative approaches that aim to improve adherence and effectiveness.
Dr. Julie B. Dumond
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- long-acting injectable antiretrovirals
- PK/PD modeling of antiretrovirals
- predictions of HIV PrEP effectiveness
- antiretroviral toxicokinetics
- novel drug delivery systems
- novel dosing strategies
- HIV treatment or prevention therapeutics in development
- clinical pharmacokinetic studies in key populations
- HIV drug delivery innovations
- mannose receptor-targeted delivery
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