What is the purpose of antiviral "cocktail" therapies in HIV treatment?

The purpose of antiviral "cocktail" therapies in HIV treatment is primarily to reduce the risk of viral resistance. HIV has a high mutation rate, which allows it to quickly develop resistance to individual antiviral drugs. When a single drug is used in treatment, the virus may mutate and continue to replicate despite that drug, rendering it ineffective. By using a combination of different antiretroviral medications, which work through various mechanisms to inhibit viral replication, the likelihood of the virus developing resistance to the entire cocktail is significantly decreased. This multi-drug approach hampers the virus's ability to successfully adapt and survive, leading to better long-term treatment outcomes and viral suppression.

Using multiple drugs also allows for lower doses of each medication, potentially minimizing side effects and improving adherence to the treatment regimen. However, the main focus of utilizing cocktails is the prevention of resistance, which is critical in managing HIV effectively.