Latest HIV treatment guidelines 2018: One-pill, once-daily treatment

Simpler dosing, better adherence, better patient outcomes

The United States (US) Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) released their updated guidelines on the treatment of HIV infection on March 27, 2018.

Based on clinical trial evidence, the use of a single-pill, once-daily combination therapy comprising bictegravir, tenofovir alafenamide and emtricitabine (BIC/TAF/FTC) 50/25/100mg has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as one of the initial treatments of HIV in adults.

This is an improvement over the existing two-dose regimens.

By simplifying the dosing regimen to a once-daily, one-pill regimen, one may expect improved drug adherence and better treatment effectiveness from this new combination therapy.

With the introduction of newer treatment that improve efficacy and/or adherence, more and more people who are treated early with antiretrovirals may have near-normal life expectancies.

https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/news/2044/department-of-health-and-human-services-adults-and-adolescents-antiretroviral-guidelines-panel–classifies-a-fixed-dose-combination-product-of-bictegravir-tenofovir-alafenamide-emtricitabine-as-one-of-the-recommended-initial-regimens-for