ViiV Healthcare has presented new data on the use of long-acting injectable treatments for HIV, highlighting their benefits in real-world clinical settings. The findings, shared at the International AIDS Society 2025 Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, underline how injectables could transform both treatment and prevention strategies for HIV.

For decades, the standard of care has relied on daily oral medication. While effective, this approach can pose challenges in adherence, create daily reminders of illness, and contribute to treatment fatigue. Long-acting injectables, by contrast, offer an alternative that reduces dosing frequency to once every month or two, potentially improving quality of life for many patients.

What the Data Reveal

Several studies formed part of this new evidence base. The long-acting injectable regimen of cabotegravir combined with rilpivirine has shown strong durability, maintaining viral suppression in real-world use and proving well tolerated outside of the tightly controlled environment of clinical trials.

Additional data examined patients who began HIV treatment with a rapid oral regimen before switching to injectables once their viral load was controlled. Early feedback suggests that patients often preferred the injectable option, valuing the convenience and freedom from a daily pill routine.

On the prevention front, new findings on cabotegravir as a long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) highlight its acceptability in real-world communities. Researchers have observed that individuals who struggled with daily oral PrEP often welcomed the shift to injectable prevention, particularly in regions where stigma and pill fatigue make adherence difficult.

Another important insight came from interim findings of the Positive Perspectives study. This research indicated that patients who actively participated in treatment decisions alongside their healthcare providers reported higher satisfaction, better adherence, and stronger self-rated health outcomes.

Implications for HIV Care

The implications of these findings extend well beyond clinical trial data.

Improved Quality of Life: Many people living with HIV cite the burden of daily oral therapy as a constant reminder of their diagnosis. Long-acting injectables offer a chance to reduce that burden while maintaining strong viral suppression. For prevention, a less frequent dosing schedule may encourage more consistent use among at-risk populations.

Adherence and Stigma: Real-world adherence data is especially promising. By lowering the psychological and social barriers associated with daily pills, injectable regimens could help more patients remain consistently protected.

Challenges Ahead: While the data are positive, hurdles remain. Regular clinic visits for injections may be difficult in regions with limited health infrastructure. Supply chains, training of healthcare workers, and cost considerations will all influence how widely these therapies are adopted.

Policy and Regulatory Shifts: With strong real-world evidence supporting safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction, health systems may increasingly consider long-acting injectables as standard options. Policymakers and funding agencies will be watching closely to see whether these treatments can be scaled effectively and equitably.

The latest findings signal a meaningful step forward in HIV management. Long-acting injectables appear poised to become more than just an alternative—they may soon represent a preferred treatment and prevention strategy for many. As further data emerge and implementation challenges are addressed, these therapies could significantly reshape the future of HIV care worldwide.