More Data Support Use of Long-Acting Cabotegravir and Rilpivirine in Clinical Practice

Long-acting cabotegravir and rilpivirine (LA-CAB/RPV) was approved in Australia in 2021 for treatment of virologically suppressed people with HIV (PWH). To evaluate uptake of LA-CAB/RPV in a diverse population, investigators at an Australian clinic conducted a phase 4 study in 60 PWH (median age, 40) who wished to switch from oral regimens and who were virally suppressed. Among participants, 85% were male at birth, 21% had been born in Africa, 25% spoke a primary language other than English, 50% reported social isolation, and 30% had substance use disorder. Median time on ART was 7 years; 17% had a history of nonadherence with periods of viremia >200 copies/mL. After enrollment, participants received oral lead-in for 1 month followed by inj…