“We have incredibly effective treatment which means HIV is now a manageable virus, however, it is lifelong so it is important that taking treatment is as easy as possible,” she said. 

“HIV unfortunately remains a stigmatised condition. Although we’re working hard to tackle the stigma surrounding HIV, this new injectable treatment option could help people in house shares for example who do not wish to share their HIV status and will no longer have to worry about hiding their medication.”

‘Great step forward towards ending new cases by 2030’

She said “pill fatigue” is also an issue for people living with HIV and a “long-acting injectable treatment is also a better option for those who have difficulty swallowing medication”.

“This is a great step forward as we work towards ending new cases of HIV by 2030. The institute’s decision brings great potential for HIV prevention including long-lasting PrEP in the future,” she said.

Meindert Boysen, deputy chief executive and director of the Centre for Health Technology Assessment at NICE, said a daily multi-tablet regimens can be difficult for some people “because of drug-related side effects, toxicity, and other psychosocial issues such as stigma or changes in lifestyle”.

“The committee heard that stigma remains an issue for people living with HIV and can have a negative impact on people’s health and relationships,” he added. 

“We’re pleased therefore to be able to recommend cabotegravir with rilpivirine as a valuable treatment option for people who already have good levels of adherence to daily tablets, but who might prefer an injectable regimen with less frequent dosing.”