ViiV Healthcare Presents Real-World Evidence for Apretude (Cabotegravir Long-Acting) at IDWeek 2024
GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) has announced that ViiV Healthcare, a global leader in HIV treatment and prevention, has shared new real-world evidence on the effectiveness, adherence, and quality-of-life improvements associated with Apretude (cabotegravir long-acting or CAB LA) for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). This data will be presented at IDWeek 2024, taking place in Los Angeles, California, from October 16 to 19.
The findings from two real-world studies, conducted with the OPERA and Trio Health cohorts, revealed over 99% effectiveness of CAB LA for PrEP among nearly 1,300 participants. Additionally, the PILLAR implementation study showed that the use of CAB LA for PrEP led to reduced stigma and anxiety, common challenges faced with daily oral PrEP.
Harmony P. Garges, M.D., MPH, Chief Medical Officer at ViiV Healthcare, stated, “The findings presented at IDWeek 2024 reinforce the strong and sustained effectiveness of Apretude in real-world settings, outside clinical trials. The OPERA and Trio cohort studies contribute to the growing evidence showing CAB LA for PrEP as a highly effective option for HIV prevention. We believe that long-acting options can transform PrEP uptake among diverse populations and are vital in the fight against the HIV epidemic.”
Real-World Effectiveness from the Trio Health Cohort
The Trio Health cohort analyzed CAB LA for PrEP’s effectiveness among 474 individuals in the U.S. The study found zero HIV diagnoses during the follow-up period. An impressive 83% of participants continued with CAB LA for PrEP injections, with timely administration for most. Among those who experienced delays in injections, the median delay was just 12 days, and only 3% of participants reported missing an injection.
OPERA Study Highlights Adherence and Effectiveness
The OPERA study included 764 individuals using CAB LA for PrEP, with 29% identifying as Black and 29% as Hispanic. The results showed a 99.7% effectiveness rate, with only two cases of HIV (0.3%) observed among participants, neither directly linked to the treatment due to discontinuation and inconsistent testing. Furthermore, 85% of participants completed their initial injections within the recommended timeframe, and most experienced only short delays.
PILLAR Study Addresses Stigma and Anxiety
The PILLAR trial explored the experiences of over 200 men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender men who switched from daily oral PrEP to CAB LA. The six-month findings indicated significant reductions in stigma and anxiety. Only 15% of participants previously worried about privacy regarding oral PrEP, which dropped to less than 1% after switching to CAB LA. Additionally, 45% reported injection site reactions, but 86% resumed daily activities the same day, with most reporting diminished pain over subsequent injections.
Commitment to Real-World Evidence
These studies highlight ViiV Healthcare’s dedication to generating robust real-world evidence for CAB LA for PrEP, as well as its ongoing efforts to improve understanding of its impact on diverse communities at risk for HIV. Further research will continue to explore the long-term benefits of CAB LA for PrEP and optimize its use.
About Apretude
Apretude is indicated for preventing sexually transmitted HIV-1 infection (pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP) in adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kg who are at high risk. It should be combined with safer sex practices, such as using condoms.
About ViiV Healthcare
Founded in November 2009, ViiV Healthcare is a global specialist HIV company majority-owned by GSK, with Pfizer and Shionogi as shareholders. The company aims to advance treatment and care for people living with HIV and those at risk, focusing on delivering effective and innovative medicines and supporting communities affected by HIV.
