long acting PEP for HIV

Long Acting PEP for HIV: Mechanism of Action: Long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV typically involves injectable formulations of antiretroviral drugs (e.g., cabotegravir) that provide sustained drug levels, blocking HIV replication by inhibiting integrase or reverse transcriptase. – Administration: Administered via intramuscular injection every 2–3 months, reducing the need for daily oral medications. – Efficacy: Demonstrated high efficacy (up to 89% reduction in HIV risk) in clinical trials (e.g., HPTN 083, HPTN 084), particularly in high-risk populations. – Adherence: Improves adherence due to less frequent dosing, addressing barriers like stigma or irregular healthcare access. – Challenges: Requires strict adherence to dosing schedules; potential for injection site reactions; limited availability in some regions. – Future Directions: Development of even longer-acting formulations (e.g., yearly dosing) and combination therapies is underway. Rationale: Long-acting PEP offers a critical alternative for populations where daily adherence is challenging, leveraging sustained drug release to maintain protective levels.