New HIV Prevention Therapy Set to be Approved in England and Wales

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has recommended the approval of a long-acting injection, cabotegravir (CAB-LA), for HIV prevention therapy in England and Wales. This alternative to the daily pills currently used will provide an option for HIV-negative individuals at risk of infection. The rollout is expected to begin after Nice publishes its final guidance later this year, with a three-month wait for the new treatment to become available. This breakthrough is particularly significant for those who cannot take oral PrEP, offering a new hope for prevention.

Key Takeaways:

• The long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA) injection will be administered every two months, providing an alternative to daily PrEP pills.
• The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has recommended the approval of the injection for adults and young people at risk of HIV who are unable to take oral PrEP.
• The rollout of the new treatment is expected to begin around three months after Nice publishes its final guidance.
• The treatment is a significant breakthrough for HIV prevention, particularly for those who cannot take oral PrEP.
• Over 111,000 people accessed PrEP in sexual health clinics in England during 2024, a 7% increase over the previous year.
• England aims to be the first country to end HIV transmissions by 2030.
• Health Secretary Wes Streeting views the treatment as a "powerful tool" in the fight against HIV.

Statistics:

• 111,000 people accessed PrEP in sexual health clinics in England during 2024.
• 7% increase in PrEP access over the previous year.
• 8% increase in PrEP use this year.
• England aims to end HIV transmissions by 2030.

Sources:

• Draft guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice).
• UK Health Security Agency.
• Statement from Health Secretary Wes Streeting.