Introduction: Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and antiretroviral therapy 
(ART) represent the cornerstones of HIV infection prevention and treatment. 
However, despite their high efficacy, the need to take daily oral pill(s) 
negatively impacts long-term patient adherence. In some cases, it can also be 
associated with drug-drug interactions and adverse gastrointestinal effects, as 
well as being a constant reminder to individuals of their HIV status. The 
availability of long-acting non-orally administered antiretroviral drugs could, 
therefore, be extremely useful. Cabotegravir (CAB) is a second-generation 
integrase strand transfer inhibitor, characterized by a relatively high genetic 
barrier and good antiretroviral potency, which is administrable as a long-acting 
injectable suspension (LAI CAB).Areas covered: The authors present and discuss 
the efficacy and available safety data of LAI CAB, either when co-administered 
with rilpivirine (RPV; LAI CAB + RPV) for the treatment of HIV infection, or 
when used as single agent for PrEP.Expert opinion: Cabotegravir has the 
potential to play a primary role in the treatment and prevention of HIV 
infection. The future availability of LAI CAB + RPV and LAI CAB may mark the 
beginning of an era of LAI ART and PrEP, respectively.