HIV Prevention: New Treatment Arrives in France & Offers Hope for Réunion

France has become the first country in the European Union to offer full health insurance coverage for injectable HIV prevention medication, marking a significant step forward in the fight against the virus. The treatment, cabotegravir – marketed as Apretude – provides a long-acting alternative to daily oral PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and is available as of February 2026, with full insurance coverage implemented from March 2, 2026, according to an order dated February 18, 2026.

Cabotegravir is administered through intramuscular injection and offers protection against HIV for up to two months, requiring only six injections per year. This reduces the burden of daily pill intake associated with traditional oral PrEP.

How PrEP Works

PrEP is an antiretroviral treatment taken *before* potential exposure to HIV, designed to prevent infection. It doesn’t eliminate the risk of HIV entirely, but significantly reduces it. Importantly, PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections like syphilis, genital herpes, or chlamydial infections, nor does it offer protection against blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis C.

A New Option for HIV Prevention

The arrival of injectable PrEP in France represents an innovation in HIV prevention strategies. Currently, PrEP is recommended for all adults at high risk of HIV infection. The new injectable form aims to address challenges associated with daily adherence to oral medication, potentially reaching individuals who may struggle with consistent pill-taking.

This development follows the approval of lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable PrEP, by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2025. According to Prof. Yazdan Yazdanpanah, Director of ANRS MIE and Prof. Jean-Michel Molina of université de Paris Cité and APHP, lenacapavir is “a major breakthrough in the fight against HIV” and offers hope to those who find daily oral preventative medications difficult to manage.

FDA approval of lenacapavir is a crucial step in our fight against HIV. This treatment could revolutionise prevention and offer new protection to vulnerable populations

Prof. Yazdan Yazdanpanah, Director of ANRS MIE

Trials, including PURPOSE 1 and PURPOSE 2 conducted in South Africa, Uganda, the United States, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Thailand, have demonstrated the efficacy of lenacapavir in preventing HIV infection among diverse populations, including cisgender women, gay and bisexual men, and transgender and non-binary individuals. Further trials (PURPOSE 3, 4, and 5) are ongoing, with PURPOSE 5 being the first conducted in Europe, specifically in France.

Global Impact and Future Availability

The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommended injectable lenacapavir as an additional PrEP option in July 2025, recognizing its potential to reshape the global HIV response. The WHO highlighted that lenacapavir offers a highly effective, long-acting alternative to daily oral pills, particularly beneficial for individuals facing challenges with adherence, stigma, or access to healthcare.

Beyond France and the United States, a new initiative aims to make lenacapavir available in 120 countries by 2027 at a significantly reduced cost. This initiative, announced in September 2025, promises to expand access to this innovative preventative treatment globally.

Despite these advancements, it’s crucial to remember that PrEP, whether oral or injectable, does not offer complete protection against HIV and does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections. Continued emphasis on safe sex practices, such as condom use, remains essential for comprehensive sexual health.