CROI 2026 Plenary (Dr. Todd Brown, Johns Hopkins): GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Show Cardiometabolic, Smoking, Liver, and Gut Benefits in People Living With HIV — Seven Poster Presentations Plus an Oral Abstract
The Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI 2026, March 9-12) featured an oral plenary by Dr. Todd Brown of Johns Hopkins Medicine titled 'GLP-1 Agonists: Are They a Cure for Everything?' alongside one oral abstract and seven posters on the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in people living with HIV (PLWH). The findings: GLP-1s generally work well in PLWH, may improve liver fibrosis, gut tissue immune health, and cardiovascular risk, and may reduce smoking on top of the established weight loss and diabetes effects. One oral abstract suggested potential to reverse the gut damage that persists from very early HIV infection despite effective ART. Brown's plenary concluded the enthusiasm is warranted but flagged unanswered questions around long-term use and global access — particularly relevant for PLWH in low- and middle-income countries.