Bill Gates donated $ 140 million for anti-HIV implants

US pharmaceutical company develops implant for AIDS
In the fight against the immunodeficiency syndrome AIDS, research has achieved great success in recent years. For example, recent studies have shown that the risk of HIV infection can be significantly reduced by the preventive use of medication. The US-based pharmaceutical company Intarcia Therapeutics is therefore currently developing an implant that will deliver the respective active ingredients continuously, thereby enabling seamless therapy. The project is being supported by Bill and Melinda Gates, whose foundation is providing a total of $ 140 million for implementation.

Reduce the risk of infection by taking preventive tablets
It has long been known that the preventive use of medication can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission. Tablets should reduce the risk of infection, but to ensure the effectiveness of prophylaxis, they would need to be taken every day. To provide more security, the US pharmaceutical company Intarcia Therapeutics is currently developing a special implant to be used to prevent HIV.

With the help of an implant that delivers drugs into the body, the treatment of AIDS should be much better in the future. (Image: gamjai / fotolia.com)

Continuous medication by implant
The aim, according to a statement from the company, is to prevent the spread of HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa and in other areas most severely affected, by requiring only one or two treatments a year. These would put a match-sized mini-pump under the skin "to provide a consistent and consistent flow of medication," the report said.

More safety for vulnerable people
To support the implant's development, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation plans to invest up to $ 140 million. $ 90 million would be channeled through targeted funding to accelerate the HIV prevention program.

"There is an indispensable need for HIV / AIDS intervention that will allow people at risk to more easily incorporate prevention into their day-to-day lives," said Gates Foundation CEO Sue Desmond-Hellman. "We are optimistic about our partnership with Intarcia and the prospect of an implantable prophylactic remedy that could make a world of difference to those in need," Desmond-Hellman continued. (No)