What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate the clinical experience and satisfaction of underserved people with HIV using long-acting rilpivirine as an alternative to oral antiretroviral therapy.

January 14, 2026Open Access

P-366. Clinical Experience of Long-Acting Cabotegravir/Rilpivirine in an Underserved Population in Houston, Texas

Puntos clave

To evaluate the clinical experience and satisfaction of underserved people with HIV using long-acting rilpivirine as an alternative to oral antiretroviral therapy.
Established a prospective cohort of PWH receiving LA-CAB/RPV at a Ryan White-funded clinic.
Participants completed surveys on demographics and experience with LA-CAB/RPV.
Collected clinical and laboratory data from medical records.
19 participants enrolled, median age 53 years, 21.1% Hispanic, and 68.4% Black.
Patient-reported reasons for switching to LA-CAB/RPV included convenience (73.7%) and anxiety about daily dosing (42.1%).
89% of participants maintained viral load suppression, including two with viremia at switch.

Resumen

Abstract Background Oral antiretroviral therapy (ART) has made HIV a manageable chronic condition, however, adherence challenges persist. LA-CAB/RPV offers an ART alternative. Clinical trials demonstrate high patient satisfaction and efficacy of LA-CAB/RPV, however, data is limited on real-world experiences among people with HIV (PWH) in the U.S. South, especially in underserved populations.Figure 1.Participant-reported reason for switching from oral ART to LA-CAB/RPV (N=19) Methods A prospective cohort of PWH who received at least one dose of LA-CAB/RPV was established at a Ryan White-funded clinic in Houston, Texas. Participants completed a survey on demographics and experience with LA-CAB/RPV. Clinical and laboratory data were collected from the medical record.Figure 2.Provider-reported reason for switching from oral ART to LA-CAB/RPV (N=19)Figure 3:CD4 cell counts (x109 cells/L) following LA-CAB/RPV initiation (Time 0 = first injection of LA-CAB/RPV) (N=19) Results Currently, 19 participants are enrolled (21.1% Hispanic, 68.4% Black, 68.4% cisgender female). The median age is 53 years, and the median time since HIV diagnosis is 16 years. Patient-reported reasons for switching from oral ART to LA-CAB/RPV included convenience (73.7%), anxiety about daily dosing (42.1%), provider recommendation (31.6%), pill fatigue (26.3%), difficulty swallowing pills (21.1%), and side effects from oral ART (5.3%). Provider-reported reasons for switching to LA-CAB/RPV included patient preference (78.9%), potential for improved adherence (21.1%), and gastrointestinal conditions (10.5%). Common side effects included injection site pain (63.6%) and swelling (27.3%). Two participants discontinued LA-CAB/RPV due to intolerance of injections. 17 of 19 (89%) participants had VL 50 c/mL at the time of switching to LA-CAB/RPV. Two of these participants discontinued LA-CAB/RPV due to intolerance of injections, with VL 50 c/mL, and the remaining 15 participants maintained VL suppression (mean follow up 69.5 weeks). 2 patients had VL 200 c/mL (3,682 and 40,600) at the time of switch, and both achieved virologic suppression on LA-CAB/RPV. CD4 counts were stable for all participants after switching. Conclusion In an underserved population of PWH in the US South, LA-CAB/RPV offers a patient-centered alternative to oral ART, with patient preference being the most common reason for switching to injectable ART. LA-CAB/RPV was effective, with high rates of virologic suppression, including among 2 patients with viremia at the time of switching. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

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