FDA approves injection to prevent HIV

• On December 20, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved world’s first injectable medication for reducing the risk of acquiring HIV.

• Apretude is an injectable drug. Its generic name is “cabotegravir extended-release injectable suspension”.

• The drug provides an alternative to daily pills for HIV prevention, like Truvada and Descovy. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDS), these pills are effective up to 99% at preventing the sexual transmission of HIV. However, it must be taken every day to be effective.