Cabotegravir/Rilpivirine: the last FDA-approved drug to treat HIV.

INTRODUCTION

The development of long-acting (LA) drugs has changed the management of common medical conditions for human replication immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Cabenuva (cabotegravir/Rilpivirine) is the first LA antiretroviral injectable drug composed of nano-formulation of cabotegravir (CAB) and rilpivirine (RPV).

AREAS COVERED: In this review article, we aim to have a brief overview of results of major clinical trials that administrated Cabotegravir/Rilpivirine for patients considering the efficacy and safety profiles. Moreover, we discuss about CAB and RPV chemical structure, mechanism of action, ‎activity against drug-sensitive and -resistant HIV, and pharmacodynamics/pharmacokinetics properties.

EXPERT OPINION: Based on the results of the ATLAS and FLAIR trials, Cabotegravir/Rilpivirine regimen once-monthly has shown equal effectivity to oral combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in maintaining HIV-1 suppression in patients. Furthermore, ATLAS-2 M study revealed the non-inferiority of Cabotegravir/Rilpivirine regimen every 8 weeks compared to every 4 weeks. The injectable LA ART reduces the number of treatment intake as well as increases adherence, especially in patients with HIV-related stigma. Administration of extended-release agents probably minimize the risk of treatment-related toxicity and resistance related to sub-optimal adherence to oral ART, so Cabotegravir/Rilpivirine can be suggested as a suitable alternative for HIV infection control in current era.