The 2026 game changers in HIV clinical science
Long-acting prevention and treatment, new PrEP strategies and emerging treatment options are among the developments shaping HIV care in 2026. At ScienHub’s 9th HIV Clinical Topics in Antiretroviral Therapy Workshop, Diva Trigo shared her perspective on the advances transforming HIV prevention and treatment.
On September 17–18, ScienHub hosted the 9th HIV Clinical Topics in Antiretroviral Therapy Workshop at the Ateneu Barcelonès in Barcelona, bringing together HIV experts from across Europe.
The programme explored some of the key topics shaping HIV care today, including antiretroviral therapy, HIV epidemiology, liver health, PrEP and STIs, aging with HIV, drug resistance and cardiovascular risk. Interactive debates and clinical case discussions provided an opportunity to connect scientific advances with everyday clinical practice.
What are the game changers in HIV science in 2026?
One of the highlights was Diva Trigo, from Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca in Lisbon, Portugal, who presented “Top 10 Game Changers in HIV Clinical Science in 2026”.
We spoke with Diva about the developments she considers particularly relevant this year.
Long-acting strategies take centre stage
For Trigo, long-acting approaches are among the biggest game changers in HIV clinical science in 2026, both for prevention and treatment:
“The biggest game changers in 2026 are long-acting, both for prevention and treatment.”
In HIV prevention, long-acting PrEP could help address some of the gaps in PrEP uptake by reaching populations that have historically been underserved:
“Long-acting PrEP is reaching vulnerable populations, like women, that were lagging behind regarding PrEP use.”
Long-acting strategies are also evolving in HIV treatment, with new approaches aimed at simplifying dosing and potentially improving adherence and treatment satisfaction. Trigo highlighted the development of an oral weekly pill as one example:
“The first oral weekly pill will probably improve adherence and satisfaction among our patients, and that’s probably coming soon.”
She also highlighted new daily single-tablet combinations, which could provide additional options for people who have not previously been able to use a single-tablet regimen.
Connecting scientific advances with clinical practice
These developments reflect the continued evolution of HIV prevention and treatment towards approaches that can offer greater flexibility and respond to patients’ needs and preferences.
Through the HIV Clinical Topics workshop, ScienHub continues to create spaces where experts can share knowledge, discuss emerging evidence and explore how advances in HIV clinical science can translate into everyday patient care.