An evaluation of long-acting cabotegravir + rilpivirine for the treatment of virologically suppressed adults living with HIV

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction HIV is a global disease that has seen significant improvements in care over the past decades. Despite improvements, treatments for maintaining suppression are complex for patients and include two to three oral medications. The approval of intramuscular cabotegravir (CAB) and rilpivirine (RPV) offers a new therapeutic modality with the opportunity of a longer dosing frequency. The data from recent trials including FLAIR and ATLAS have shown non-inferiority in treatment based on the current standard of care. This approval has the potential to simplify patient medication regimens, while maintaining virologic suppression in HIV-1 patients. Areas Covered Cabotegravir + rilpivirine’s recent approval for the treatment of HIV and its significant impact it may have on people living with HIV. Expert Opinion Cabotegravir + rilpivirine is a long-acting injectable that can be used for patients who want to reduce the frequency antiretroviral administration. CAB+RPV allows for virologic suppression with monthly or less often administration, but comes with a significant price point, although injection site reactions may limit utility for many patients.