Long-Acting Injectable Antiretroviral Drugs for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: Current Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions

Abstract

Purpose of Review: This review explores the promise and challenges of integrating long-acting antiretroviral agents—cabotegravir, lenacapavir, and cabotegravir-rilpivirine—into HIV prevention and treatment programs for pregnant and breastfeeding populations. It aims to examine current evidence, implementation experiences, and barriers to equitable access. Recent Findings: Emerging data support the efficacy and safety of long-acting agents during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Recent clinical trials have begun to include pregnant women by design, and national demonstration projects have successfully introduced injectable PrEP in maternal health settings. These developments signal growing recognition of the need for inclusive research and service delivery models. Summary: Long-acting antiretrovirals have the potential to transform maternal HIV prevention and treatment. However, challenges such as delayed inclusion in trials, policy constraints, limited product choice, high costs, and funding limitations persist. Addressing these gaps is critical to ensuring equitable access and informing future research and implementation strategies.