Dispersible dolutegravir to improve HIV treatment for children

A new way to take HIV treatment could soon be on the cards for children living with HIV as ViiV Healthcare submits a new dispersible form of dolutegravir (DTG) to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

The tablet formulation of DTG was initially approved in 2013, with a later approval for a weight restriction revision which meant patients aged six plus and weighing more than 30kg were able to receive the DTG tablets. The problem, however, is that many children have struggled with taking multiple tablets per day.

The new formulation, a tablet which is dispersible in water and is strawberry flavoured, has seen positive feedback from the community.

Whilst the dose of DTG for adults is 50mg once daily, children require smaller doses tailored to their age and weight. So the new treatment was formulated in 5mg doses, allowing doctors and parents the ability to tailor the dose and increase it as the child grows.

ViiV Healthcare hopes that the new treatment will be available widely around the world in 2021.