Wes Streeting, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said: “The approval of this game-changing injection perfectly embodies what this government is determined to deliver – cutting-edge treatments that save lives and leave no one behind.
“For vulnerable people who are unable to take other methods of HIV prevention, this represents hope.”
HIV prevention therapy, known as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), is taken by HIV-negative people to reduce the risk of getting HIV.
Pills have been available for years and are still extremely effective at stopping HIV infections, but are not always easy for some to take.
It can be hard to access, not practical, or feel embarrassing. For example, people might worry someone like parents or housemates could find their pills.
Homelessness and domestic violence can make it difficult to take oral PrEP every day.
An injection which lasts for months offers convenience and discretion.
HIV is a virus that damages the cells in the immune system and weakens the body’s ability to fight everyday infections and diseases.
It can be caught during unprotected sex or through sharing needles. Mothers can also pass it to their baby at birth.
Cabotegravir should be used in combination with safer sex practices, such as use of condoms.
The NHS has an undisclosed discount from the manufacturer for the treatment that has a list price of around £7,000 per patient per year.