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A groundbreaking injection that offers protection against HIV has been approved for use in England and Wales, aligning the regions’ policies with Scotland. The injection, known as cabotegravir (CAB-LA), is administered six times a year or every other month, providing an alternative to daily pills for HIV prevention. Experts are optimistic that this new form of treatment will contribute to the goal of eliminating new HIV cases by 2030 in the UK. Notably, initial data on another injection, lenacapavir, suggests the potential for transitioning individuals to an annual HIV prevention shot.
Wes Streeting, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, expressed optimism about the approval of the game-changing injection, emphasizing the government’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge treatments that save lives. The injection represents a sense of hope for vulnerable individuals who may struggle with other methods of HIV prevention. HIV prevention therapy, also known as PrEP, is utilized by HIV-negative individuals to reduce the risk of contracting the virus. While oral pills have historically been effective in preventing HIV infections, some individuals may find it challenging to adhere to daily medication due to various reasons such as access issues, practicality concerns, or privacy worries.
The injection of cabotegravir, used in combination with safer sex practices like condom use, offers both convenience and discretion for individuals seeking protection against HIV. The NHS has negotiated a discounted rate with the manufacturer for the treatment, which has an approximate list price of £7,000 per patient per year. The injection will be targeted towards adults and adolescents at high risk of sexually acquired HIV who struggle with oral tablets, with an estimated 1,000 individuals set to be offered the treatment. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) anticipates that NHS-operated sexual health clinics will begin offering the injection in the near future.
Official statistics for England reveal an increasing number of individuals accessing PrEP through sexual health services, with more than 100,000 individuals beginning or continuing PrEP in recent years. However, disparities in access to treatment are evident, with certain demographic groups showing lower uptake rates compared to others. Efforts to expand HIV testing in hospital A&E departments across England are ongoing, particularly in areas with high HIV prevalence, to ensure more widespread access to essential healthcare services
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