Anvisa approves first injectable drug to prevent HIV infection

2023-06-10 22:09:33

There is still no date for the start of commercialization and there is also no information if it will be offered by SUS

EFE/EPA/FEHIM DEMIRInjectable PrEP is considered the latest innovation in HIV prevention

A National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) approved the cabotegravirthe first injectable drug against HIV in Brazil. Authorization for the use of the drug was given to the British pharmaceutical company GSK and published in the Official Gazette (DOU) on June 5, however, there is still no date for the start of marketing in Brazil and there is also no information if it will be offered by SUS (Unified Health System) immediately. Injectable PrEP is considered the latest innovation in HIV prevention. It acts as a pre-exposure prophylaxis to the virus that causes AIDS and unlike other drugs to prevent infection by the virus, it has a long duration of action. Cabotegravir is also known as apredute – trade name -, and received authorization from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), the US health regulatory agency, in 2021. Last year, the drug was even recommended by the WHO (World Health Organization). of Health) as part of a comprehensive approach to HIV prevention. Cabotegravir is an injection given every two months to prevent HIV infection. The injection was developed by pharmaceutical company GSK. Currently, in Brazil, a strategy offered by SUS through daily pills is underway. The therapy is aimed at certain groups considered to be at higher risk of exposure to HIV, such as men who have sex with men, sex workers and people who are not living with the virus but are in a serodiscordant relationship. The main difference between the drugs that are already in use and this new one are: their prolonged action and the fact that the drug is injectable. As a result, there is better adherence to treatment.