A new HIV prevention injection called cabotegravir (CAB-LA), administered every two months, is set to be approved in England and Wales as an alternative to daily oral PrEP pills, with NICE recommending it for adults and young people at risk who cannot take oral PrEP.

This injectable option is expected to benefit up to 1,000 people annually in England, particularly those with medical contraindications to oral PrEP, and the rollout is anticipated to begin about three months after final guidance is published.

Charities emphasize the importance of rapid distribution and expanding access beyond sexual health clinics to reach more vulnerable populations, including those facing barriers to daily medication.

Recent data shows a rise in PrEP use in England, with over 111,000 people accessing it in 2024—a 7% increase from the previous year—and about 76% of HIV-negative individuals needing PrEP are starting or continuing it.

Despite increasing uptake, disparities remain, with lower participation among heterosexual Black African women and men, prompting calls for expanded access and testing in high-prevalence areas.

Cabotegravir is manufactured by ViiV Healthcare and should be used alongside safer sex practices such as condom use.

HIV, which damages the immune system, can be transmitted through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or from mother to child, and prevention methods include condom use and PrEP, though adherence can be challenging.

Charities stress the need for a rapid rollout of the injectable to avoid delays, with calls to expand delivery beyond clinics to underserved populations.

The injectable, administered six times a year or every two months, aims to help meet the UK's goal of ending new HIV cases by 2030 and offers a discreet, convenient alternative for those facing access issues, stigma, or personal circumstances.

The development of this injectable aligns with the UK government's goal to end HIV transmissions by 2030, supporting ongoing efforts to improve prevention.

The NHS has negotiated an undisclosed discount with ViiV Healthcare, manufacturer of cabotegravir, with the treatment costing around £7,000 per patient annually.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the approval as 'game-changing,' highlighting its potential to help vulnerable populations and contribute to the national goal of ending HIV transmissions by 2030.