Highly

Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART).

Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) is a form of antiretroviral therapy (ART) used for the treatment of HIV/AIDS. HAART combines three or more antiretroviral drugs in a single regimen, which helps to suppress the HIV virus and stop the progression of the disease.

History

HAART was first introduced in 1996, following the discovery that combining multiple antiretroviral drugs could effectively suppress the HIV virus and prevent the progression of AIDS. This marked a significant breakthrough in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, as prior to the introduction of HAART, the disease was often fatal.

Mechanism of Action

HAART works by targeting different stages of the HIV life cycle. The combination of drugs used in HAART typically includes two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and one protease inhibitor (PI) or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). These drugs work together to inhibit the replication of the HIV virus, thereby reducing the viral load in the body and preventing the progression of the disease.

Efficacy and Side Effects

HAART has been shown to be highly effective in suppressing the HIV virus and preventing the progression of AIDS. However, like all medications, it can have side effects. Common side effects of HAART include nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. In some cases, HAART can also cause more serious side effects, such as liver damage or heart disease.

Future Developments

Research is ongoing to develop new and more effective forms of HAART. This includes the development of new antiretroviral drugs, as well as strategies to improve the delivery and adherence to HAART.

See Also

• Antiretroviral therapy
• HIV/AIDS
• Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
• Protease inhibitors
• Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors