An up-to-date evaluation of dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine for the treatment of HIV

ABSTRACT

Introduction

There are more than 30 agents available for the treatment of HIV with guidelines shifting toward integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) as part of first line therapy. The fixed dose combination of dolutegravir (DTG), abacavir (ABC), and lamivudine (3TC) is a convenient, well tolerated, and highly effective option for treating HIV infection and remains a first line therapy across several prominent guidelines.

Areas covered

In this drug evaluation, the authors provide a comprehensive overview of DTG/ABC/3TC for the treatment of HIV including the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, safety, and tolerability. The authors also provide the reader with their expert perspectives on this particular treatment strategy.

Expert opinion

While DTG/ABC/3TC remains a valuable HIV treatment option, newer combination regimens have entered the market. Bictegravir with tenofovir alafenamide and emtricitabine offers the benefit of same day initiation and efficacy in hepatitis B co-infection, while new two-drug regimens enhance the simplicity of HIV treatment. Continued study is required into the mechanisms and optimal management strategies for weight gain for many regimens, including DTG/ABC/3TC.

KEYWORDS:

• Antiretroviral
• abacavir
• dolutegravir
• HIV
• integrase strand transfer inhibitors
• INSTI
• lamivudine

Declaration of interest

DHS Tan’s institution has received investigator-initiated research grants from AbbVie, Gilead Sciences, and ViiV Healthcare. DHS Tan is also a Site Principal Investigator for clinical trials sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline. Furthermore, DHS Tan is supported by a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in HIV Prevention and STI Research. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This manuscript has not been funded.