David W. Rosenthal, DO, PhD
The FDA approval of Dovato (dolutegravir/lamivudine) for adolescents living with HIV provides another tool in the toolbox to effectively treat HIV in adolescents aged 12 years and up. Currently, there are only a few one-pill, once-a-day HIV treatment options for this age group, and this approval expands those options because Dovato is an effective two-drug, single-tablet, once-a-day, complete HIV treatment.
Many studies have shown that taking daily medication is challenging for anyone, and even harder for adolescents. Thus, regimens that simplify administration and provide effective treatment are critical in this age group. Not only that, but when patients living with HIV take their medications properly, they are able to suppress the HIV virus and achieve an undetectable viral load. Once a patient has a sustained undetectable viral load for at least 6 months, the patient cannot transmit HIV to others — an important public health prevention strategy.
We know that approximately one in five new cases of HIV in the United States occur among patients aged 13 to 24 years, so doctors recommend a status-neutral HIV approach, where every person obtains an HIV test as a routine part of health care. If that test is positive, the patient can take a once-a-day HIV regimen, and if that test is negative, then they can pursue an HIV prevention approach with PrEP.
Having new treatment options for adolescents living with HIV improves medication adherence and delivers successful treatment outcomes.
David W. Rosenthal, DO, PhD
Medical director,
Center for Young Adult, Adolescent and Pediatric HIV
Northwell Health
Disclosures: Rosenthal reports no relevant financial disclosures.
