Child-Friendly Anti-Retroviral (ARV) Formulations

HIV/AIDS continues to disproportionately impact sub-Saharan Africa, where it remains a leading cause of illness and death among children. Paediatric HIV progresses at an alarming rate, with 20–30% of untreated infants succumbing to the disease within their first year. Without timely intervention, this mortality rate can escalate to 50% by the age of two.

Now, imagine a child living with HIV, burdened by a daily regimen of multiple antiretroviral (ARV) medications. Instead of grappling with large, unpalatable syrups or ground tablets that must be taken with food, what if this child could simply take a few drops of medicine? This vision is the driving force behind a groundbreaking solution to develop child-friendly ARV formulations.

This initiative by the UWC School of Pharmacy focuses on significantly enhancing the solubility of ARVs, particularly those included in South Africa’s Department of Health paediatric HIV treatment protocols. By improving solubility, these medications can be administered in smaller, more manageable
doses. Even ARVs already effective in their current form could benefit from this approach, potentially boosting their efficacy. The solution also aims to improve the taste and ease of administration, ensuring that children can adhere to their treatment consistently.

At the core of this innovation are Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES)—mixtures of natural compounds that enhance the solubility of ARVs through simple molecular interactions. Unlike previous deep eutectic solvents, NADES are composed entirely of natural ingredients, making them environmentally
friendly, biocompatible, biodegradable, and cost-effective. This green approach not only meets the urgent need for more palatable ARV formulations but also offers a sustainable and economical solution. The success of this project could also expedite similar child-friendly treatments for other diseases, such as tuberculosis (TB) and malaria.

This initiative is more than a drop of hope in the fight against paediatric HIV, offering hope for a healthier future for affected children. By harnessing the power of nature’s chemistry, this innovative solution has the potential to transform paediatric HIV treatment and extend its benefits to other critical health
challenges.