What's Happening?
ViiV Healthcare, a unit of GSK, has developed an injectable form of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) called Apretude, which will now be offered by the NHS in England and Wales. This decision by the reimbursement
authority NICE aligns these regions with Scotland, where Apretude has been available since February. Apretude, approved by the UK medicines regulator MHRA in May 2024, provides an alternative to daily oral PrEP pills for adults and young people at high risk of HIV infection. The injectable is particularly beneficial for individuals who cannot take daily medication due to contraindications, difficulty swallowing tablets, or other adherence challenges such as partner violence or homelessness. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the role of Apretude in helping the NHS meet its target of ending new HIV cases by 2030, noting an 8% rise in PrEP use this year.
Why It's Important?
The approval of Apretude for NHS use is significant as it addresses a critical gap in HIV prevention for individuals who face challenges with daily oral medication. This development is expected to enhance the UK's efforts to end HIV transmissions by 2030, a goal supported by the rising use of PrEP. The injectable form of PrEP is seen as transformative for the HIV response, particularly in tackling inequalities and reaching those not currently accessing other HIV prevention methods. The decision has been welcomed by stakeholders such as the Terrence Higgins Trust, highlighting its potential to improve access and adherence to HIV prevention strategies.
What's Next?
The rollout of Apretude is anticipated to begin within three months following the publication of NICE's final guidance later this year. The government is also encouraged to explore the delivery of PrEP in settings outside of traditional sexual health services, which could further increase accessibility and uptake among those at risk of HIV infection.
Beyond the Headlines
The introduction of Apretude may have broader implications for public health policy and healthcare delivery in the UK. By providing an injectable option for PrEP, healthcare systems can better accommodate diverse patient needs and circumstances, potentially leading to more inclusive and effective HIV prevention strategies. This approach could serve as a model for other countries aiming to address similar disparities in healthcare access.