Groundbreaking advancements in HIV treatment and prevention

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On this episode of the CMAJ Podcast, Dr. Blair Bigham and Dr. Mojola Omole explore groundbreaking advancements in HIV treatment and prevention. They examine various innovative approaches that are transforming the landscape of HIV care.

Dr. Darrell Tan, a clinician scientist at St. Michael's Hospital and associate professor at the University of Toronto, discusses the article he co-authored, "Long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy for HIV-1 infection in adults." He explains the newly approved long-acting injectable cabotegravir for PrEP, an integrase inhibitor administered as a deep intramuscular injection administered every two months. Dr. Tan highlights its superior effectiveness compared to daily oral PrEP, emphasizing its adherence benefits and potential to revolutionize HIV prevention. Additionally, he covers the long-acting injectable treatment regimen for HIV, which combines cabotegravir with rilpivirine, administered as two intramuscular injections every one to two months. This regimen offers an alternative to daily oral medication, easing the treatment burden for individuals living with HIV.

Dr. Maxime Billick, a graduating infectious diseases fellow at the University of Toronto and co-author of "HIV postexposure prophylaxis-in-pocket," introduces the concept of "PIP" (prophylaxis-in-pocket). She explains how this approach allows individuals who might rarely have high-risk encounters to keep a 28-day supply of PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) on hand, enabling immediate use after potential HIV exposure. Dr. Billick discusses the importance of ongoing patient-provider relationships and the role of PIP in empowering patients to proactively manage their sexual health.

Throughout the episode, the hosts and guests explore the challenges and opportunities presented by these new treatments. They emphasize the importance of accessibility, awareness, and the need to address health inequities in HIV prevention. The conversation underscores the potential of these advancements to significantly impact public health and improve the quality of life for individuals at risk of or living with HIV.

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You can find Blair and Mojola on X @BlairBigham and @Drmojolaomole
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The CMAJ Podcast is produced by PodCraft Productions