FDA approves HIV treatment for newborns - Report - MDSpire
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FDA approves HIV treatment for newborns

  • By

  • Kathryn Wighton

  • August 26, 2026

  • 2 min

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Clinical Report: FDA approves HIV treatment for newborns

Overview

The FDA has approved dolutegravir (Tivicay PD) for treating HIV in newborns from birth to 4 weeks of age who weigh at least 2 kg. This approval is based on data from the IMPAACT 2023 study, which demonstrated comparable dolutegravir levels in newborns to those associated with efficacy in adults.

Background

HIV infection poses a significant risk to the immune system, leading to serious infections or cancer and potentially progressing to AIDS without treatment.

Data Highlights

StudyParticipantsFollow-up DurationKey Findings
IMPAACT 202348 newborns exposed to HIV-116 weeksDolutegravir levels comparable to adults; safety profile similar to older patients.

Key Findings

  • The FDA approved dolutegravir for newborns from birth to 4 weeks weighing at least 2 kg.
  • Dolutegravir was previously approved for adults and pediatric patients older than 4 weeks.
  • Participants in the IMPAACT 2023 study received dolutegravir in combination with standard-of-care antiretroviral medications.
  • Dolutegravir levels in newborns were comparable to those associated with efficacy in adults.
  • The safety profile in newborns was similar to that observed in older pediatric and adult patients.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should consider dolutegravir as a treatment option for newborns at risk of HIV infection.

Conclusion

The approval of dolutegravir for newborns represents a significant advancement in the treatment of HIV in this population, providing a new tool to combat mother-to-child transmission.

Related Resources & Content

  1. FDA, FDA, 2026 -- FDA Approves Drug to Treat HIV Infection in Newborns
  2. NIH, NIH, 2026 -- Antiretroviral Management of Infants With In Utero, Intrapartum, or Breastfeeding Exposure to HIV
  3. the medicine maker — From Monkeys to Medicine Cabinets: Gene Therapy for Lifelong HIV Immunity in Infants
  4. MDSpire News — HIV & Infant Feeding: New AAP Guidelines
  5. MDSpire News — Two-Drug HIV Regimen Gains FDA Approval
  6. the medicine maker — Closing the Treatment Gap
  7. From Monkeys to Medicine Cabinets: Gene Therapy for Lifelong HIV Immunity in Infants
  8. HIV & Infant Feeding: New AAP Guidelines
  9. Two-Drug HIV Regimen Gains FDA Approval
  10. FDA Approves Drug to Treat HIV Infection in Newborns | FDA
  11. Antiretroviral Management of Infants With In Utero, Intrapartum, or Breastfeeding Exposure to HIV | NIH
  12. WHO optimal antiretroviral dosing guidance: recommendations for dosing medicines for HIV prevention and treatment in paediatric populations

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