Can we use DTG to treat HIV among infants, children and adolescents?
WHO currently recommends DTG as an alternative first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) for adolescents with HIV. It is not considered for use in children, as in 2016 DTG was not approved for people younger than 12 years. However, as of June 2017, DTG has been approved by the FDA for use among children 6 years and older (weighing at least 30 kg), and by the European Medicines Agency for children weighing more than 15 kg.
FDA-approved formulations of DTG for children are now registered in 17 low- and middle-income countries, but are still manufactured by originator companies. Generic versions being developed include 10 mg scored DTG tablets, DTG + ABC + 3TC (5 mg + 60 mg + 30 mg) tablet. In 2017, WHO will review new data regarding the use of DTG in children, as initial reports of DTG use among children look reassuring in terms of efficacy, safety and tolerability.