O-49 Sustained HIV protection with Cabotegravir LA among Black and Latine Individuals: data from the Midway cohort
Author(s):
J Kuretski, H Bolivar, C Dowden, E Allseits, R Sabec, C Rivera, J Rodrigues, M Ramgopal
Year of Presentation:
2026
Objective: To evaluate persistence on long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months; assess adherence
to on-time injections; and determine HIV incidence among
patients receiving CAB-LA PrEP at Midway Specialty
Care in Florida. Additionally, to highlight how the Midway
cohort, comprising predominantly Black and Latine individuals, reflects populations with shared demographic and
epidemiologic characteristics seen in Caribbean communities, supporting the broader applicability of these findings.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study examined persistence on CAB LA PrEP from January 2021 to December 2024 across 16 infectious disease clinics in Florida. The primary outcome was PrEP persistence. Secondary outcomes included adherence to on-time injections and the incidence of HIV among individuals on CAB LA PrEP. The sample population was 159.
Results: Among Latine participants, 85% persisted on CAB LA for at least three months and 64% for at least 12 months, while among Black participants, 84% persisted for at least three months and 54% to 12 months. No incident HIV infections were reported in this population. 97% of CAB LA PrEP injections were administered on time.
Conclusion: This cohort of Black and Latine persons on CAB LA PrEP achieved high on-time adherence and strong persistence with no observed HIV seroconversions. This evidence supports the role of long-acting injectable PrEP as an effective method to prevent HIV. Long-acting injectable PrEP, such as CAB LA, is an exciting option for Caribbean countries but requires support and successful implementation. A regional strategy to address educational and structural barriers to PrEP can improve PrEP uptake in priority populations.