28/10/2026
i-base.info/htb/54719 – Major update to US HHS treatment guidelines for HIV (September 2026)
These guidelines are important internationally, for treatment prescribers and community activists alike. We welcome this significant update, especially given the uncertainty of continued funding for this project by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Click the link above for a more detailed breakdown on the changes, but here’s a short summary:
- New section on first and second-line ART and viral rebound, and treatment optimisation for people on stable ART.
- Dolutegravir/lamivudine is now recommended as first-line ART, regardless of baseline viral load.
- Recognition that interrupting ART can be caused by lack of access to treatment. However, the guidelines assume that viral load will rebound in everyone – this may take several weeks or months for some people.
- Updated guidance for injectable ART, including for people taking analytic treatment interruptions in cure studies.
- Expanded section on drug use, chemsex, unstable housing, opioid adulterants and other factors that affect HIV care outcomes.
- Updates to section on menopause, use of injectable CAB/RPV during pregnancy and infant feeding options postpartum.
- Each section now highlights the main knowledge gaps that should be the focus of future research.
