Long-Acting Antiretroviral Therapy for Those with Adherence Challenges

Clinical Takeaway

: In an open-label randomized trial, monthly injections of long-acting cabotegravir–rilpivirine were superior to daily oral ART.

Context

For people living with HIV, combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) that achieves virologic suppression is cornerstone care; however, many have trouble adhering to daily oral therapy. Long-acting injectable cabotegravir–rilpivirine was approved by the FDA in 2021 for individuals who were virologically suppressed on oral therapy but not for those with viremia or adherence problems. Now, researchers have examined the safety and efficacy of the long-acting regimen in persons with a history of adherence challenges.

In the open-label trial, some 300 adults in the United States were randomized to receive monthly injections of cabotegravir–rilpivirine or daily oral ART. The median follow-up duration was 48 weeks.

Key Results

Cabotegravir–rilp…

Reviewing Author

Carlos del Rio, M.D.

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; NIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse

Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes; Vaccines

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesInternational Antiviral Society–USA (Board of Directors); Infectious Diseases Society of America (Past President)