The federal Food and Drug Administration has approved Cabenuva, the first complete long-acting injectable HIV regimen that does not require daily pills.
It is approved for people with an undetectable viral load who wish to switch to a long-acting regimen. Cabenuva consists of extended-release versions of the new integrase inhibitor cabotegravir and rilpivirine (sold in pill form as Edurant).
The two injections are administered in the buttocks once monthly by a health care provider. ViiV Healthcare expects to start shipping Cabenuva in February.
The combination regimen will cost about $4,000 a month. The FDA action took place January 21. "Many of our clients, some of whom have been taking antiretrovirals daily for decades, have expressed