Long-acting HIV shots every 8 weeks beat daily pills in African teens

The LATA randomized trial across four African countries found that cabotegravir-rilpivirine injections every eight weeks suppressed HIV better than daily tablets in adolescents: viral rebound in 1% versus 6% over 96 weeks. The study enrolled 476 adolescents aged 12 to 19.

• Viral rebound: 2 of 476 (1%) on injections vs 15 (6%) on daily tablets
• 476 adolescents aged 12-19 in Kenya, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe over 96 weeks
• 94% on injections said shots every eight weeks were easier than daily pills
• Injectables remain unavailable in Africa due to patents, cost and cold-chain storage