PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review highlights the development of long-acting 
injectable cabotegravir (CAB LA) for HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), with a 
focus on phase 2 studies and later development.
RECENT FINDINGS: Early studies of CAB LA for HIV prevention offered promising 
pharmacokinetic data and paved the way for phase 2 studies, which have now been 
completed. On the basis of phase 2 data, dosing of CAB LA at 8-week intervals 
consistently delivers target trough concentrations in both men and women. Recent 
studies have shown no required dose adjustments for hepatic or renal disease and 
minimal drug--drug interactions. Additionally, injectable PrEP is desired by 
potential PrEP candidates. Still, gaps in knowledge remain with respect to 
implementation and delivery, the clinical significance of the pharmacologic 
tail, and dosing in key populations. Phase 3 trials are underway that are 
anticipated to inform some of these questions and provide efficacy and safety 
data to support regulatory submissions for CAB LA as a potential PrEP agent.
SUMMARY: Recent studies have defined an appropriate CAB LA dosing interval and 
offered insight into its safety profile. Phase 3 studies will provide 
much-anticipated efficacy data. If efficacious, CAB LA may provide a desirable 
PrEP option for those who face challenges to daily pill adherence. A more 
complete understanding of how to best integrate LA PrEP into service delivery 
models will be critical for success.