NHS Approves First Long-Acting HIV Prevention Injection
A new long-acting injectable medication, cabotegravir, has been approved by the NHS in England for HIV prevention, offering a new option for individuals at high risk of sexually acquired HIV. The jab, administered as an injection, is intended for adults and adolescents with a healthy weight who are eligible for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) but may find taking daily oral tablets tough. Approximately 1,000 people are expected to be offered the treatment initially through NHS-operated sexual health clinics “in coming months,” according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
HIV damages the cells in the immune system, weakening the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases. It can be contracted through unprotected sex or by sharing needles, and can also be passed from mother to child during birth. Cabotegravir is designed to be used alongside safer sex practices, such as condom use.
The treatment has a list price of around £7,000 per patient per year, though the NHS has secured an undisclosed discount from the manufacturer.
Official figures show increasing demand for PrEP in England. In the past year, 146,098 HIV-negative individuals accessing sexual health services were identified as needing PrEP due to substantial risk of HIV acquisition. Of those, approximately 76% (111,123) initiated or continued prep-a 7.7% increase from 2023.
Though, access to PrEP is not equitable. Uptake is highest among white (79.4%) and ethnic minority (77.8%) gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men, but significantly lower among black African heterosexual women (34.6%) and men (36.4%).
Charities are urging a swift rollout of the injection,citing potential for long waiting times at sexual health clinics. Richard Angell, of the Terrence Higgins Trust, stated, “It’s time to explore delivering the ‘transformative therapy’ in other settings, not just sexual health clinics. It’s highly effective and acceptable for patients, and a vital tool for tackling inequalities – with the potential to reach those who are not currently accessing other HIV prevention.”
Alongside the introduction of the injection, HIV testing has been expanded to 89 hospital A&E departments in England, particularly in areas with high HIV prevalence. These departments routinely test anyone having blood taken.
