The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday recommended the use of HIV drug dolutegravir (DTG) as the preferred first-line and second-line treatment for all populations, including pregnant women and those of childbearing potential.

This recommendation, based on new evidence assessing benefits and risks, came as the 10 IAS 2019 Conference on HIV Science taking place in Mexico City, Mexico, from July 21 to July 24.

According to WHO, initial studies had highlighted a possible link between DTG and neural tube defects (birth defects of the brain and spinal cord that cause conditions such as spina bifida) in infants born to women using the drug at the time of conception.

“This potential safety concern was reported in May 2018 from a study in Botswana that found four cases of neural tube defects out of 426 women who became pregnant while taking DTG,” it said.

Dolutegravir (DTG), HIV drug as the preferred first-line and second-line treatment for all populations.

The world health body said consequently, based on these preliminary findings, many countries had advised pregnant women and women of childbearing potential to take efavirenz (EFV) instead.

“However, new data from two large clinical trials comparing the efficacy and safety of DTG and EFV in Africa have now expanded the evidence base.

“The risks of neural tube defects are significantly lower than what the initial studies may have suggested, and DTG is a drug that is more effective, easier to take.

“It has fewer side effects than alternative drugs that are currently used.

“DTG also has a high genetic barrier to developing drug resistance, which is important given the rising trend of resistance to EFV and nevirapine-based regimens.

“In 2019, 12 out of 18 countries surveyed by WHO reported pre-treatment drug resistance levels exceeding the recommended threshold of 10 per cent.

“All of above findings informed the decision to update the 2019 guidelines and the new updated recommendations aim to help more countries improve their HIV policies,” WHO said.

It specifies that for any medications, informed choice is important as every treatment decision needs to be based on an informed discussion with the health provider weighing the benefits and potential risks.

The world health body also stressed the importance of providing information and options to help women make an informed choice.

To this end, WHO has convened an advisory group of women living with HIV from diverse backgrounds to advise on policy issues related to their health, including sexual and reproductive health.

It also highlights the need to continually monitor the risk of neural tube defects associated with DTG.