Novel and Investigational HIV Therapies for Treatment and Prevention: Focus on Cabotegravir, Islatravir, and Lenacapavir

Purposeof Review To present the data surrounding three novel agents for the treatment and prevention of HIV infection. Recent Findings To date, non-inferiority in the efficacy of cabotegravir, islatravir, and lenacapavir has been seen in their respective ongoing clinical trials. Formulation specific adverse effects have been noted, especially injection site reactions; however, non-injection-related adverse effects remain minimal with very few leading to study discontinuation. Overall, participants who received long-acting injectable therapy for treatment or prevention have preferred it over oral antiretroviral therapy. Clinical data have supported long-acting cabotegravir's approval for treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis of HIV while islatravir and lenacapavir remain in investigation status. The ongoing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic mandates advancements in its prevention and treatment. The focus of antiretroviral therapy is shifting to long-acting therapies that provide decreases in frequency of administration, multiple mechanisms of action, and high barriers to resistance.