Weekly HIV Pill Regimen Matches Daily Efficacy in Global Trial

An international Phase III trial (ISLEND‑1) involving 607 adults across 12 countries showed that a once‑weekly oral tablet combining the long‑acting antiretrovirals islatravir and lenacapavir achieved viral suppression rates above 93 % over 48 weeks, meeting the non‑inferiority criteria against the daily three‑drug regimen Biktarvy. Adherence in the weekly arm was about 99 % and serious adverse events were comparable to daily treatment.

Researchers highlighted that the weekly schedule could alleviate pill fatigue and reduce stigma for millions of people living with HIV, while maintaining long‑term viral control. The findings were presented at the AIDS 2026 conference and published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Experts noted that, beyond clinical success, challenges remain in ensuring rapid global access, especially for low‑resource settings.

The trial was funded by Gilead Sciences and Merck Sharp & Dohme, and further long‑term safety data are being collected to support potential integration of the weekly regimen into standard outpatient HIV care.