Cabotegravir Plus Rilpivirine: First Approval

A regimen comprising extended release injectable suspensions of cabotegravir and rilpivirine for concurrent administration (CABENUVA (TM)) is being developed by ViiV Healthcare and Janssen Pharmaceutica (Janssen) as a complete regimen for HIV infection. Based on the results of the ATLAS and FLAIR trials, the regimen was recently approved in Canada for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults to replace current antiretroviral therapy in patients who are virologically stable and suppressed. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of co-packaged cabotegravir and rilpivirine leading to this first approval.