New Once-Weekly HIV Regimen Shows Promise in Clinical Trials

A new combination HIV regimen including islatravir plus lenacapavir, taken once weekly, is showing promise in international clinical trials, potentially replacing daily oral therapy with a far simpler schedule. The development is particularly relevant to South African women, who make up the majority of people living with HIV and bear the heaviest prevention and treatment burden.

Lenacapavir, already approved in South Africa as a twice-yearly injection, offers protection without daily medication. The new oral combination, if approved, could offer a weekly alternative. Healthcare Update South Africa reported on 18 August 2026 that South Africa's current standard remains daily therapy aimed at viral suppression, but new options are being evaluated by SAHPRA and the National Department of Health.

What you need to know

• Daily therapy remains the standard until new treatments are approved and rolled out.
• New options aim to make adherence easier. Fewer doses means fewer missed doses.
• Long-acting injectable PrEP and treatment options are being rolled out gradually.

What you can do

Continue taking your medication exactly as prescribed. If adherence is difficult due to daily pills being hard to remember, side effects, stigma, or cost, tell your doctor or clinic sister honestly. New options are coming, and in the meantime there may be simpler regimens or support available to help you stay healthy.