September/October 2016: Volume 17 Number 9/10

This issue of HTB starts with reports from the long-running annual workshop on side effects.

PrEP studies included the first case of Fanconi-like symptoms in an HIV negative person and looking the risk:benefit of using tenofovir-DF in young people at risk of HIV infection.

Several studies reported new complications with integrase inhibitors, a French group looked at taking ART four days a week and a large US study found that higher levels of physical activity correlated not only with better health but also a higher CD4 count.

Reports from AIDS 2016 and associated meetings held in Durban in July range from a French study on another reduced dose maintenance strategy, concerns on pricing and access, especially in the context of pregnancy, and reviews of posters that were generally under-reported in other community coverage.

Four additional reports from Durban report on different aspects of the safety and efficacy of ART in children.

Then some good news. Firstly, the US FDA have approved the first generic formulation of dolutegravir. This will match the price of generic efavirenz and improve both quality of life and reducing costs in low income countries. Secondly, the Global Fund announced that funding targets for 2017-2019 have already been achieved. We also report a new WHO analysis that supports greater efficacy with dolutegravir compared to efavirenz.