Ann Intern Med

New study supports weekly HIV treatment as effective alternative

January 12, 2026

In a 48-week, phase 2 randomized trial (NCT05052996) of virologically suppressed adults (N = 104), once-weekly oral islatravir (2 mg) plus lenacapavir (300 mg) achieved viral suppression rates similar to daily bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide. At week 48, 94.2% on the weekly regimen maintained HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL vs. 92.3% on daily therapy. No virologic rebound or emergent resistance was detected, and adverse events were mild and comparable between groups.

Clinical takeaway: Once-weekly oral islatravir plus lenacapavir shows promise as an adherence-friendly alternative, pending confirmation in larger trials.

Source:

Colson AE, et al. (2025, December 23). Ann Intern Med. Once-Weekly Oral Islatravir Plus Lenacapavir Versus Daily Oral Bictegravir, Emtricitabine, and Tenofovir Alafenamide in Persons With HIV-1 : A Phase 2 Randomized Study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41429026/