Updated DHHS ART Guidelines Endorse Rapid ART Start and Cost Considerations

A DHHS panel now recommends that ART be started immediately or as soon as possible after HIV diagnosis and expands the discussion on cost considerations, insurance, and generic drugs.

Sponsoring Organization: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Target Audience: Infectious disease specialists, primary care providers caring for persons with HIV, public health organizations, community-based organizations, Ryan White–supported services

Background and Objective

The U.S. DHHS Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents has updated its recommendations that provide direction on antiretroviral therapy (ART) to federal, state, and local agencies, health systems, insurers, and clinicians.

Key Points

Rapid initiation of ART at the time of diagnosis or as soon as possible is recommended.
The concept of treatment as prevention is further endorsed; an on-ART HIV level <200 copies/mL prevents sexual transmiss…

Reviewing Author

Keith Henry, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardViiV Advisory Board

Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes