A New Chapter for HIV

HIV has been part of the world’s medical story for over forty years. Once a diagnosis filled with fear, it is now one that comes with treatment, prevention, and hope. Advances in research have turned a deadly virus into a condition that can be controlled, giving millions of people the chance to live full, healthy lives.

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, attacks the body’s immune system by targeting CD4 cells, which are a type of white blood cell also known as T helper cells that help fight infection. Without treatment, the virus can weaken the immune system over time and progress to AIDS (Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), the stage where the body struggles to defend itself against everyday illnesses. While there is still no cure, medical progress has made it possible for people living with HIV to manage the condition effectively.

In the early years after HIV was discovered in the 1980s, treatment options were extremely limited. The first approved drug, AZT also known as Zidovudin, appeared in 1987, but it offered only slowing down HIV replication and came with harsh side effects such as bone marrow suppression which can lead to other conditions. The real breakthrough came in the mid-1990s with the introduction of antiretroviral therapy, or ART. Rather than attacking the virus directly, ART stops HIV from reproducing, allowing the immune system to recover and rebuild CD4 cells.

Alongside treatment, prevention has also been a major focus. For people who do not have HIV but are at higher risk of exposure, pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, has proven extremely effective. When taken correctly, PrEP tablets reduce the risk of contracting HIV by around 99% through sexual transmission. The medication works by blocking a critical protein in the HIV life cycle, stopping the virus from establishing itself in the body.

Even with these highly effective medications, challenges remain. Daily pills can be difficult to maintain consistently. For some, adherence is complicated by factors such as unstable housing, limited access to healthcare, or unsafe living conditions. Missing doses reduces the protection that PrEP provides, which is why scientists have continued to look for ways to simplify treatment and prevention.

That search has led to a new and promising development: the long-lasting Cabotegravir injection, often referred to as CAB-LA. This injection only needs to be administered once every two months, yet it provides the same level of protection as daily PrEP. The medication works similarly to oral PrEP, preventing HIV from replicating in the body, but it remains active for a much longer period. Health Secretary Wes Streeting described this innovation as “hope for vulnerable people who are unable to take other methods of HIV prevention.” For many, this advancement could make a meaningful difference in both convenience and adherence.

This injection offers discretion for those who prefer not to take a daily pill in front of others. It provides a reliable option for people for whom daily treatment is difficult to maintain. In England and Wales, the approval of cabotegravir represents a major step forward in public health. With only six injections per year instead of 365 pills, it significantly reduces the burden of adherence, potentially increasing protection for thousands of people.

The history of HIV treatment has been marked by continuous progress. From the early experimental drugs of the 1980s to modern combination ART, and now from daily PrEP tablets to long-lasting injections, each development has brought new ways to control the virus. Researchers are exploring even longer-lasting injections, potentially administered every six months, and continuing the search for a vaccine. There are also ongoing efforts to simplify ART regimens, reducing the number of pills required for those already living with HIV. Together, these advances are shaping a future where both prevention and treatment are more practical, accessible, and sustainable.

Innovations like cabotegravir can only achieve their full impact if they are made widely available and paired with education and support. Nonetheless, they represent a significant stride forward, a practical, evidence-based solution that brings greater control to individuals and communities alike.

While a ‘cure’ for HIV has yet to be found, the pace of research and innovation offers real hope. The cabotegravir injection is more than a new method of prevention; it is a symbol of how far HIV medicine has come. It shows that through sustained effort, collaboration, and scientific creativity, the world is moving closer to a future where HIV can be controlled, prevented, and ultimately eliminated.