Long-acting injectable cabotegravir/ rilpivirine better than daily oral ART for young people living with HIV

The LATA trial found that long-acting injectable cabotegravir/rilpivirine (CAB/RPV), given every eight weeks, is an effective alternative to daily oral ART for young people living with HIV. Among 476 participants aged 12 to under 20 years, only 1% of those receiving the injections experienced viral rebound by week 96, compared with 6% of those taking daily TLD tablets. The injections were also highly acceptable, with 94% of participants reporting that they were much easier than taking medication every day. This approach may reduce the challenges of daily treatment, including missed doses, stigma and concerns about privacy, while providing young people with greater convenience and confidence in managing their HIV treatment.