Discover how the latest data from CROI 2026 is shaping clinical practice and future directions in HIV care
The 2026 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) showcased a rapidly evolving HIV landscape, with a clear shift towards treatment simplification, long-acting innovation and deeper biological understanding of cure pathways. Across multiple late-breaking and emerging datasets, the direction of travel is evident: maintaining virological control while reducing treatment burden and expanding future options.
 Simplifying HIV treatment: Bictegravir–lenacapavir in focus
Two pivotal Phase III trials, ARTISTRY-1 and ARTISTRY-2, highlighted the potential of a novel single-tablet regimen combining bictegravir and lenacapavir (BIC/LEN). Across both studies, switching to BIC/LEN maintained virological suppression with efficacy comparable to existing standard regimens.
We spoke with Prof. Chloe Orkin on the ARTISTRY-1 findings. The trial focused on individuals receiving complex multi-tablet regimens, demonstrating that simplification to a once-daily single-tablet option did not compromise viral control.
Read the full Q&A with Prof. Chloe Orkin here
We spoke with Dr Eric Meissner on the ARTISTRY-2 trial, which extended the ARTISTRY-1 findings to individuals already stable on guideline-recommended therapy, with BIC/LEN showing non-inferiority to established single-tablet regimens such as bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide.
Read the full Q&A with Dr Eric Meissner here
Expanding first-line options: Doravirine/islatravir (MK-8591A)
Prof. Jürgen Rockstroh joined us to discuss emerging data on doravirine/islatravir (DOR/ISL) as a promising future first-line option for HIV. Week 48 findings in treatment-naive adults demonstrate sustained virological suppression, adding to the growing evidence base for two-drug regimens that maintain efficacy while potentially reducing long-term toxicity.
Read the full Q&A with Prof. Jürgen Rockstroh here
Understanding failure in prevention: Lessons from the 4CMenB gonorrhoea trial
The GoGoVax trial investigating the 4CMenB vaccine for gonorrhoea prevention highlighted the challenges of translating observational signals into clinical efficacy. Prof. Kate Seib joined us to highlight the data, which found that despite prior epidemiological associations suggesting cross-protection, the trial failed to demonstrate meaningful protection against gonorrhoea. This finding underscores the biological complexity of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and the limitations of extrapolating vaccine effects across related pathogens.
Read the full Q&A with Prof. Kate Seib here
Moving closer to HIV cure: Clonal expansion in lymph node Tfh cells
Advances in HIV cure research were highlighted by Dr Julienne Lehmann. She discussed new insights into viral persistence, particularly the role of clonal expansion within lymph node T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. These reservoirs appear to contribute significantly to long-term viral persistence despite effective antiretroviral therapy.
Understanding these mechanisms is critical for developing curative strategies, as it refines the biological targets required for eradication or durable remission.
Read the full Q&A with Julienne Lehmann here
Beyond clinical trials: the role of real-world and community-generated data
A growing theme at CROI 2026 is the increasing importance of real-world evidence and community-generated data in shaping HIV care. We met with Solange Baptiste, Exectutive Director of ITPC, who highlighted that incorporating real-world and community-driven insights into clinical decision-making and service design will be critical to improving outcomes, particularly in diverse and ageing populations.
Read the full Q&A with Solange Baptiste here
Expert perspectives: Shaping the future of HIV care
Experts from CROI 2026, gave their perspective on emerging therapeutics from the conference reinforcing several consistent themes:
- the prioritisation of treatment simplification without compromising efficacy
- the growing role of long-acting and novel mechanisms, such as capsid inhibitors
- the importance of personalised care, particularly in ageing populations and those with comorbidities
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CROI 2026 highlights a pivotal moment in HIV management. The field is moving beyond achieving virological suppression towards optimising how that suppression is delivered. From simplified single-tablet regimens to novel drug classes and deeper insights into viral persistence, the trajectory is clear: more flexible, patient-centred and biologically informed care.
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Cite: Â touchINFECTIOUSDISEASES. 09 March 2026.
Editor: Katey Gabrysch, Editorial Director.
Disclosures:Â The content was developed and edited by human editors. No fees or funding were associated with its publication. touchINFECTIOUS DISEASES utilize AI as an editorial tool (ChatGPT (GPT-4o) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat).
This content has been developed independently by Touch Medical Media for touchINFECTIOUS DISEASES in collaboration with the speakers. Views expressed are the speaker’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Touch Medical Media.Â
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