Health officials in England and Wales have approved a new injection to help prevent HIV. The drug, known as cabotegravir (CAB-LA) is a long-acting injectable drug for HIV prevention. It offers a new choice for people who find it hard to take daily HIV prevention pills.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended the injection for adults and young people at higher risk of HIV infection. It is part of the UK’s plan to stop new HIV cases by 2030.
Health experts said the new treatment could make a big difference. Many people who are vulnerable to HIV do not use daily pills regularly, but this new injection makes prevention easier. It works by releasing medicine slowly in the body over several weeks, giving long-term protection from the virus.
The injection is made by ViiV Healthcare, a company linked to GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). It has already been used successfully in other countries, and Scotland has already made it available through its health service.
Helen Knight, a director at NICE, said this is an important step forward. “This medicine gives people another way to protect themselves. Some people cannot take daily pills, so this injection gives them more freedom,” she explained.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting called the decision “a game-changer.” He said that improving access to this injection would help reduce HIV infections and bring the UK closer to ending the spread of the virus.
The injection is expected to be available in Wales within two months and in England within three months. Health officials believe about 1,000 people in England each year could benefit from this new prevention method.
The approval of this innovative injection marks a major step in fighting HIV, offering hope to many who need a more convenient and effective way to stay protected.
