[Animats]

Here's a talk by someone from Gilead from a few years ago about how it works.[1] Back then they were still testing on animals.

It's amazing that a small-molecule drug can be that effective for six months. It's not a vaccine. It doesn't stimulate the immune system. Completely different mechanism. It's not a slow-release implanted thing, either.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hmjn_7TeFUA

[lightedman]

That is what got me. How in the world does this drug have such a long life in the body? Can it bioaccumulate, and that's why it's only given every 6 months? If it can, are there effects that are not desirable?

[allenjhyang]

Really cool. Is the mechanism already used for other diseases? Or is this a first-of-its-kind application that'll open the door to using the mechanism for others?