MPP’s peer-reviewed publication: ‘Novel Anti-Obesity Drugs for People with HIV’ Published in THE LANCET HIV

Co Authored by MPP colleague Lobna Gaayeb, this paper addresses the growing issue of obesity among people with HIV and the potential of new incretin mimetics (including GLP-1 receptor agonists, GIPs) to tackle this challenge, along with the often related cardiovascular and metabolic health issues.

Integrating Metabolic Health Management into Routine HIV Care: A Comprehensive Agenda

  • Conduct Research on Targeted Interventions
    Research is essential to determine the application of metabolic health interventions for people living with HIV. Key areas of focus include identifying those who would benefit most, establishing optimal timing and duration, and ensuring the safety of combining these interventions with existing medications.
  • Prioritise Implementation Research
    Implementation research is crucial to assess the acceptability and feasibility of integrating metabolic health management into HIV care. This research should explore the potential to combine these efforts with the growing interest in injectable HIV medications, maximizing efficiency and patient adherence.
  • Address Accessibility and Affordability Concerns
    The high cost of current medications, such as GLP-1 agonists, poses significant challenges, particularly in developing countries with high HIV prevalence.

The Medicines Patent Pool has a proven track record of forming public-health oriented agreements that enhance global access to life-saving medications.

Partnerships facilitated by the Medicines Patent Pool enable generic manufacturers to produce affordable, quality-assured versions of these medicines for low- and middle-income countries.

Achieving global availability of these drugs necessitates further research and addressing access issues comprehensively.

The full paper can be accessed here.