The federal Food and Drug Administration has approved Cabenuva, the first complete long-acting injectable HIV regimen that does not require daily pills. It is approved for people with an undetectable viral load who wish to switch to a long-acting regimen.
Cabenuva consists of extended-release versions of the new integrase inhibitor cabotegravir and rilpivirine (sold in pill form as Edurant). The two injections are administered in the buttocks once monthly by a health care provider. ViiV Healthcare expects to start shipping Cabenuva in February. The combination regimen will cost about $4,000 a month.
The FDA action took place January 21.
"Many of our clients, some of whom have been taking antiretrovirals daily for decades, have expressed interest in long-acting injectables," Janessa Broussard, R.N., vice president of medical affairs at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, told the Bay Area Reporter. "Adherence to a daily medication regimen can be difficult to maintain for a variety of reasons. In some cases, COVID-19 has made it even more difficult. As a provider, I am pleased to be able to offer Cabenuva to our clients as an alternative."