Cabotegravir for PrEP

In 2020, around 1.5 million people were newly infected with HIV. Global targets endorsed at the World Health Assembly 2022 aim to reduce new HIV infections from 1.5 million to under 370,000 by 2025 and under 335,000 by 2030. In order to meet these targets, it will be essential to expand access to HIV prevention medicines known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). 

There are currently three types of PrEP that have been approved for use: oral PrEP, dapivirine (DPV) vaginal ring and long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA). CAB-LA is the most effective form of PrEP currently available to people at high risk of HIV, and has the potential to be a game-changer in HIV prevention. However, the lack of transparency around the pricing and registration plans of the drug, and arbitrary implementation science conditions have acted as barriers to access to this injectable, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).