Leading HIV Researchers Reflect on Breakthroughs, Challenges at CROI 2026

As the 2026 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) wrapped up, leading HIV experts reflected on the breakthroughs, challenges, and moments they hope audiences who could not attend—either in person or virtually—will take away. From new insights in treatment strategies to the persistent need for global advocacy, the conference offered a glimpse into the future of HIV research and care.

Elona Toska, MSc, DPhil, adolescent health researcher at the Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, reflected on the remarkable progress presented at the meeting. She hopes viewers understand the resilience of the HIV research community despite funding challenges and the importance of sustaining investment in scientific development and systems of care.

Jeanne M. Marrazzo, MD, MPH, emphasized the ongoing crisis in HIV research funding. She wants audiences to appreciate the critical need for continued US support to ensure that people living with HIV do not face barriers to life-saving medications due to stigma, cost, or access. Marrazzo also highlighted the energy and determination of the research community, urging those watching to recognize the importance of sustaining that fighting spirit.

From a clinical perspective, Steven Grinspoon, MD, director of the Nutrition Obesity Research Center and chief of the Metabolism Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, encouraged viewers to consider emerging therapies. He highlighted GLP-1 receptor agonists as potential adjunctive treatments alongside statins to reduce inflammation in certain patient populations. Gerald Pierone, MD, chief medical officer at Whole Family Health Center, reminded audiences of the importance of assessing hepatitis B co-infection when switching patients to long-acting antiretroviral therapy, stressing vaccination for those who are non-immune.

Victor Appay, PhD, research director at INSERM and co-head of the "Vulnerability and Ageing of the Immune System" team at the ImmunoConcEpT unit (UMR 5164) of the University of Bordeaux, spoke to the potential of combining potent antiretroviral therapy with immunotherapies to improve viral control, while Todd Brown, MD, PhD, an endocrinologist and clinical investigator at Johns Hopkins University, underscored the complexity of comprehensive care for people living with HIV, emphasizing attention to multiple aspects of patient health.

Juan D. Medina, MD, MPH, a research engineer from at the Institut Necker Enfants Malades in Paris, France, highlighted the need for globally relevant clinical guidelines that address the diverse populations of the global South, encouraging viewers to recognize that one-size-fits-all recommendations are insufficient. Peter Staley, cofounder and board member of PrEP4All, offered hope by reflecting on progress in public advocacy and scientific resistance to autocratic policies, noting recent court cases and events that have galvanized continued action.

Overall, CROI 2026 left audiences with a sense of both urgency and optimism: sustaining research funding, integrating co-infection management into treatment strategies, exploring innovative therapies, and ensuring globally nuanced care are all essential to advancing HIV treatment and prevention worldwide.