Long-acting injectable PrEP trial launched in Africa

The National Institutes of Health has launched two large HIV clinical trials in Africa: one to investigate the efficacy of a long-acting injectable anti-HIV drug and one to test an experimental new HIV vaccine.

The first is a phase 3 trial comparing an injectable version of the investigational integrase inhibitor cabotegravir with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) using daily oral Truvada (emtricitabine). Researchers aim to recruit 3,200 sexually active women from across Southern and Eastern Africa, and follow them for an average of 2.6 years.

Dr. Anthony S. Fauci

“Taking a daily pill can be challenging for some people. For some women, a long-acting injectable form of protection may be an easier, more desirable and discreet alternative,” he said.

Women currently account for 58% of new HIV infections in adults in Southern and Eastern Africa, but preventive tools can be difficult to negotiate with a new partner.

A similar study is already underway in men and transgender women who have sex with men. The study is cofunded by ViiV Healthcare and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and ViiV Healthcare and Gilead Sciences are providing the study medications.

SOURCE: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases News Releases Nov. 30, 2017.