We are at the dawn of a new era of long-acting antiretroviral (ARV) agents that promises to revolutionize the prevention of HIV infection. The HPTN083 and 084 studies first demonstrated the promise of cabotegravir for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), but its use needs to be balanced with frequent injections, risks of drug resistance and challenges in diagnosing breakthrough infections. Lenacapavir represents the next leap forward for HIV PrEP with every 6 month dosing and impressive efficacy in recently completed clinical trials that led to its designation as Science’s 2024 Breakthrough of the Year. We will review the promise and challenges of these and other long-acting ARV options, including dapivirine ring and other novel approaches in development.
CROI Conference
