Advancements in Tuberculosis and HIV Treatment Highlighted at CROI 2026

Recent research presented at the Conference on Retroviruses and Infectious Diseases (CROI) 2026 has revealed significant progress in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB), particularly in individuals living with HIV. New data focuses on optimizing treatment regimens, improving dosing strategies, and expanding research to include vulnerable populations like children and pregnant individuals.

Optimizing HIV and TB Co-Treatment

Studies presented at CROI 2026 addressed key questions surrounding the co-administration of 3HP and 1HP (shorter tuberculosis treatment regimens) with dolutegravir, a widely used antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV. Research included data specifically for children and pregnant individuals, areas where treatment guidelines have historically been less defined. Treatment Action Group provided an overview of these findings.

Targeted Linezolid Dosing Strategies

Researchers also explored targeted dosing strategies for linezolid, an important drug in the treatment of drug-resistant TB. These strategies aim to maximize efficacy while minimizing potential side effects. Further details on this approach were presented at the conference.

Promising Preclinical Data on New TB Treatments

Preclinical data on long-acting pretomanid and TBAJ-876 (sorfequiline) offered encouraging insights into potential future TB treatments. These novel compounds represent a continued effort to develop more effective and convenient therapies for this global health challenge.

Focus on Pediatric TB Research

A plenary session at CROI 2026 underscored the critical need for increased research focused on TB in children. Experts emphasized the importance of including children and mothers in early-stage clinical trials to address existing evidence gaps in TB treatment and diagnosis for these populations. Treatment Action Group highlighted this as a major theme of the conference.

Dolutegravir Safety in Children with HIV Receiving TB Prophylaxis

A separate study, the DOLPHIN-KIDS study, demonstrated that children with HIV receiving dolutegravir-based ART can safely receive standard TB prophylactic treatment without requiring an increased dolutegravir dose. MedPage Today reported that in a phase I/II trial of 41 children, 95% remained virally suppressed, and only two experienced dolutegravir trough concentrations below a predetermined threshold.

Ongoing HIV Cure Research

Beyond TB, research toward a cure for HIV continues. The Treatment Action Group released its February 2026 update of Research Toward a Cure Trials, a monthly listing of relevant clinical trials and observational studies. Treatment Action Group emphasizes that these studies are focused on working *toward* a cure, not expecting to achieve one immediately.

Key Takeaways

• Significant progress is being made in optimizing TB treatment regimens for individuals with HIV.
• Research is expanding to include vulnerable populations, such as children and pregnant individuals.
• New dosing strategies and novel compounds are being investigated to improve TB treatment efficacy and reduce side effects.
• Continued research is essential to address the ongoing challenges of TB and HIV co-infection.