Islatravir + lenacapavir
MSD · Gilead
Once-weekly pill
Kept virus undetectable for 96 weeks in phase 2. Two phase 3 trials.
In phase 3
Viral infection · immune system
HIV
Current treatment controls the virus and prevents transmission, but it is lifelong. Research moves on two fronts: ever less frequent dosing and drug-free remission.
- Cure
- Not for most; 13 people in remission after transplants
- Current treatment
- Daily or injectable antiretrovirals
- Who has it
- About 40 million people worldwide
- Updated
5candidates on the board
Phase 3furthest phase
2updates in 2026
What changed
The latest developments, newest first.
ProgressAIDS 2026: 13 people in remission
New cases from Essen and Kansas City, all after bone marrow transplants for cancer. Not an option for most patients.
ProgressTwice-yearly treatment
Lenacapavir plus two antibodies kept 89% of patients suppressed for a year.
Treatments in development
Each column is a step on the road to the pharmacy. Colors show the type of treatment.
- Antibody or biologic (3)
- Oral drug (1)
- Cell, gene or RNA therapy (1)
Phase 3confirmation · 1
Phase 2efficacy and dose · 2
Lenacapavir + 2 bNAbs
Gilead
Broadly neutralizing antibodies
Twice-yearly dosing. 89% suppressed at 52 weeks.
Data: Jul 2026
N6LS + cabotegravir
ViiV Healthcare
Antibody + injectable
96% suppressed. Next test: dosing every 6 months.
In phase 2
Phase 1safety · 1
N-803
ImmunityBio e grupos acadêmicos
NK cell booster
Aims to mimic natural drug-free control of the virus.
Cure research
Lab / pilotearly research · 1
CAR-T e células NK modificadas
Vários grupos
Cells that hunt the reservoir
Aim to clear hidden virus. Still years from clinical use.
Early research
Left behind
Candidates that looked promising and were stopped. Most treatments tested never reach the market.
Vacina Mosaico
2023 · Janssen's preventive vaccine; phase 3 showed no protection.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cure for HIV?
Not for most; 13 people in remission after transplants. Current treatment: Daily or injectable antiretrovirals.
Which HIV treatments are being tested?
Fasevia tracks 5 candidates: Islatravir + lenacapavir (Phase 3); Lenacapavir + 2 bNAbs (Phase 2); N6LS + cabotegravir (Phase 2); N-803 (Phase 1); CAR-T e células NK modificadas (Lab / pilot).
What is the most advanced HIV treatment in development?
The furthest along today is Islatravir + lenacapavir (MSD · Gilead), in phase 3. Kept virus undetectable for 96 weeks in phase 2. Two phase 3 trials.
When could a new HIV treatment arrive?
A drug has to complete phase 3 and be reviewed by health agencies such as the FDA or EMA, which usually takes several years. The leading candidate today is in phase 3.