It belongs to a new class of HIV drugs called integrase inhibitors and is delivered once every 8 weeks via intramuscular injection. Long-acting Cabotegravir has been found to be safe and well tolerated. Two studies (HPTN 084 and HPTN 083) done in sub-saharan Africa have found it to be statistically superior to daily oral PrEP in preventing HIV infection among cisgender women, cisgender men and transgender women who have sex with men.
This much awaited prevention method is now into the implementation phase and is moving towards licensure.
Although long-acting dapivirine ring, and long-acting Cabotegravir, both do not offer contraceptive benefits. Women of reproductive age do need multipurpose prevention technology products to address two or more overlapping health risks, such as, unintended pregnancy and HIV. The dual prevention pill is an answer to their prayers.
Dual Prevention Pill: A daily oral pill for women for protection against HIV and pregnancy
Dual prevention pill, a co-formulated tablet containing oral PrEP (TDF/FTC) and a combined oral contraceptive, is currently being developed for daily use to prevent both HIV and pregnancy and is likely to be a new multipurpose prevention technology to go to market. Since both the ingredients of dual prevention pill are already approved for individual use, their combination pill just needs to undergo bio-equivalence study to determine if they are as safe and effective in combination. Regulatory timelines suggest that dual prevention pill could receive US FDA approval by 2024.
Several other multipurpose prevention technologies for HIV and pregnancy prevention are in various stages of development, but still many years away from market launch.
Islatravir: Once a month oral PrEP
Islatravir is the first nucleoside reverse transcriptase translocation inhibitor currently being evaluated across a variety of dosing regimens, for both - treatment as well as prevention of HIV infection. It has a novel mechanism of action, as it can persist in the body for a long period of time and is being developed as a monthly pill and also as a sub-dermal implant for prevention that could provide protection for one year.
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