New HIV Prevention Injection Available on NHS

For the first time, an injection designed to prevent HIV will be offered to patients through the NHS in England and Wales, aligning with existing policies in Scotland.

This long-acting shot, administered six times a year or every other month, serves as an alternative to daily pills for HIV protection. Experts are optimistic that these cabotegravir (CAB-LA) injections could play a significant role in achieving the UK’s goal of ending new HIV cases by 2030.

In addition, early outcomes for another injection, lenacapavir, offer hope that an annual jab for HIV prevention might soon be possible.

‘This Represents Hope’

Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, expressed that the approval of this innovative injection exemplifies the government’s commitment to providing advanced treatments that can save lives and ensure no one is left behind. He mentioned it brings renewed hope for vulnerable individuals who find it challenging to use other HIV prevention methods.

The HIV prevention therapy, known as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), is used by those without HIV to lower their risk of infection. While pills have been available for years and are highly effective, they’re not always easy for everyone to take. Access can be tricky and, let’s face it, some people might just feel embarrassed about it. They might worry about others discovering their pills—like parents or roommates. Plus, factors like homelessness or domestic violence can make it hard for some to stick to a daily routine.

On the other hand, a long-lasting injection can provide both convenience and privacy. HIV damages immune system cells, leaving people more susceptible to other infections and diseases. It can be transmitted through unprotected sex or shared needles, and mothers can also pass it on during childbirth. It’s important to use cabotegravir along with safer sex practices, like condoms.

The NHS has secured an undisclosed discount from the manufacturer for the treatment, which costs around £7,000 per patient annually.

This injection will be offered to adults and adolescents who are at high risk for sexually acquired HIV and would have difficulty taking oral tablets. It’s estimated that about 1,000 people may benefit from this option.

Patients will be able to receive the treatment from NHS-operated sexual health clinics “in the coming months,” according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). However, some charities are concerned about long wait times for clinic appointments, emphasizing the need for a speedy rollout.

Richard Angell from the Terrence Higgins Trust suggested exploring ways to provide this effective therapy in other locations beyond sexual health clinics, noting it’s vital to tackle inequalities in access and reach those currently not utilizing other HIV prevention methods.

According to official figures, the number of people using PrEP in sexual health services is on the rise. In the past year, 146,098 HIV-negative individuals accessed sexual health services and were identified as needing PrEP due to their substantial risk of contracting HIV. Among these, roughly 76% (111,123) began or continued using PrEP—a 7.7% increase from 2023.

That said, there are disparities in how PrEP needs are identified and addressed. While uptake is highest among white and ethnic minority gay and bisexual men, it is markedly lower among heterosexual black African women and men. In tandem, HIV testing is now routinely done in many emergency departments across England, with 89 facilities testing anyone who has blood samples taken, especially in regions with high HIV rates.