CROI 2023: ADVANCES IN ANTIVIRAL THERAPY IN HIV AND VIRAL HEPATITIS

Several innovative methods were presented at the 2023 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) targeting different aspects of the HIV care continuum to improve testing, linkage to care, and viral suppression. Some of these approaches were directed at more vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, adolescents, and individuals who inject drugs. In contrast was the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with negative outcomes on HIV viral load suppression and retention in care. Data were presented on hepatitis B virus (HBV) suppression showing that tenofovir alafenamide (TAF)/emtricitabine (FTC)/bictegravir (BIC) may be superior to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/FTC plus dolutegravir in suppressing HBV in HIV/HBV-coinfected individuals. A pilot study examining a 4-week trial of direct-acting antiviral therapy to treat hepatitis C in recently infected individuals showed lower rates of sustained virologic response at 12 weeks than longer courses. Additional data were presented on the use of long-acting cabotegravir/rilpivirine, comparing this regimen with oral TAF/FTC/BIC and the use of long-acting cabotegravir/rilpivirine in those with viremia. Data were presented on a novel strategy of lenacapavir with 2 broadly neutralizing antibodies given every 6 months as maintenance antiretroviral therapy (ART). Data were presented on improving HIV care outcomes in adolescents, interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission, and HIV reservoirs in children and adolescents. Data were also presented on interactions between ART and hormonal contraception, as well as ART-related weight gain and impact on pregnancy. A study examining BIC pharmacokinetics in pregnancy was presented, as well as retrospective data on outcomes of adolescents receiving TAF/FTC/BIC.