New International Guidelines Published for HIV Treatment and Prevention in 2024
TL/DR –
On World AIDS Day 2024, the International Antiviral Society-USA (formerly AIDS) published updated global guidelines for HIV treatment and prevention. The guidelines, which were based on significant advances in antiretroviral therapies and new prevention strategies such as pre-exposure prophylaxis, advise on tailored antiretroviral therapy, prevention strategies, comprehensive care, and methods to address disparities in access to care. An international panel of HIV experts reviewed evidence from June 2022 to October 2024 to develop the updated guidelines.
On World AIDS Day, December 1, 2024, the International Antiviral Society-USA (IAS-USA) released its latest international guidelines for HIV treatment and prevention. The updated directives were compiled by a volunteer panel of medical experts, featuring Prof Clara Lehmann of the University Hospital Cologne and the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF). The 2024 guidelines, based on recent advancements in antiretroviral therapies and prevention techniques like pre-exposure prophylaxis, spotlight progress in combating HIV while acknowledging the need for improved access to life-saving interventions.
Antiretroviral therapy has extended the life expectancy of individuals living with HIV to near-normal levels. Constant updates in antiretroviral drug data and formulations necessitate the regular revision of HIV treatment, clinical management, and prevention recommendations, ensuring optimal patient care.
An international panel of top HIV research and clinical care experts scrutinized the latest evidence from peer-reviewed literature, conference presentations from June 2022 to October 2024, and data provided by antiretroviral manufacturers. The resultant updated guidelines for HIV treatment and prevention encompass HIV infection, sexually transmitted infections, and cardiovascular disease development in HIV patients. An insight into HIV treatment, prevention, and care recommendations follows.
Individualized Antiretroviral Therapy
The panel advises tailoring antiretroviral therapy to individual needs, particularly for those intolerant to specific HIV drugs. Long-acting injectable therapies are endorsed for aiding patient adherence to treatment plans.
HIV Prevention Strategies
The guidelines urge the application of pre-exposure prophylaxis for individuals at elevated HIV exposure risk, available as daily oral medication or long-acting injectable alternatives. Additionally, doxycycline is identified as an effective post-exposure prophylaxis for preventing sexually transmitted infections.
Holistic Approach to HIV Care
The panel underlines the necessity of a comprehensive approach to HIV care, encompassing cardiovascular disease prevention, substance use disorder management, and monitoring weight fluctuations during antiretroviral therapy.
Addressing Disparities in Care Access
To tackle persisting inequalities in accessing HIV care and prevention, the guidelines propose targeted solutions for underserved communities. Suggested interventions feature enhanced access to telemedicine and mobile health units, Smartphone reminders for medication or injections, and traditional adherence support methods like pill boxes and regular phone or text check-ins.
“Though significant strides have been made in the fight against HIV, there is still a long road ahead to guarantee equitable access to life-saving interventions. These revised guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for global healthcare professionals to deliver improved care and edge closer to ending the HIV epidemic,” remarked Prof. Clara Lehmann, the Deputy Coordinator of the DZIF research area “HIV”.
Source: German Center for Infection Research
Journal Reference: Gandhi, R. T., et al. (2024). Antiretroviral Drugs for Treatment and Prevention of HIV in Adults: 2024 Recommendations of the International Antiviral Society–USA Panel. JAMA. doi.org/10.1001/jama.2024.24543.
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