Background on HIV and its Global Impact
44 years after the first HIV case, this disease remains a global public health concern. Mexico is no exception, with nearly 19,000 new infections reported in 2024, an increase of 826 from 2023, marking a 4.57% rise according to the Mexican Health Secretary’s data.
Expert Perspective from GSK Mexico
Sigfrido Rangel, the medical director of GSK Mexico, acknowledged the progress in antiretroviral therapy development, which has become more effective and less toxic. However, he emphasized that as the population living with HIV grows, so will the demand for medications.
Global Market Outlook for HIV Treatments
Towards Healthcare, a healthcare market research firm, predicts the global HIV treatment market will reach $52,950 million by 2034, growing at a compound annual rate of 4.3%.
In 2023, combination therapies dominated the market with a 60% share, as per their report.
GSK’s Adjusted Projections for HIV Treatments
GSK revised its 2025 projections upwards, anticipating a 10% global growth in its HIV product portfolio due to the rising cases worldwide. In the third quarter of this year, GSK reported a 12% increase in this segment, driven by high demand for long-acting injectable treatments and a dual-molecule oral medication (dolutegravir/lamivudina) taken once daily.
Mexico Approves New Therapy
The oral medication combining two molecules was integrated into Mexico’s Clinical Management Guide for HIV by Censida (National Center for the Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS), according to Rangel.
Benefits of the New Oral Therapy
Rangel highlighted that this therapeutic innovation aims to decrease treatment toxicity, enhance patients’ quality of life, and improve medication adherence.
- Availability: The oral treatment is accessible through Mexico’s public health system.
- Cost Reduction: The new medication reduced treatment costs by 30-40% for the public health system compared to three-drug regimens.
- Safe Co-administration: The dual-molecule drug can be safely taken alongside medications for chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
