The new blockbuster HIV drug called Dolutegravir is facing speed bumps after new studies showed it causes significant weight gain in women. Further, it does not achieve viral suppression in people who were already having resistance to other HIV drugs. However, Dolutegravir, also known as DTG, remains the most powerful HIV drug and its combination is recommended as the preferred option for everyone starting treatment by the World Health Organisation. Kenya introduced the DTG combination pill last year to replace older drugs as the first line of treatment. It also has a high genetic barrier to developing drug resistance, which is important given the rising trend of resistance to other regimens.

Source: The Star December 29, 2020 08:37 UTC