Spain Leads Europe in HIV Prevention with Injectable PrEP Funding
Spain has become the first European nation to publicly fund injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV, marking a significant step forward in the country’s combined prevention strategy. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Health following an agreement by the Interministerial Commission on Drug Prices (CIPM), makes Apretude (cabotegravir long-acting) available as a pharmaceutical benefit within the National Health System.
What is PrEP and Why is Injectable PrEP a Game Changer?
PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, involves taking medication to prevent HIV infection in people who are HIV-negative but at risk. Traditionally, PrEP has been administered as a daily oral pill. However, adherence to a daily regimen can be challenging for some individuals. The new injectable form, administered intramuscularly every two months, eliminates this barrier.
The Ministry of Sanidad highlights that this new modality “eliminates the need for a daily dose, as occurs with oral PrEP, facilitating adherence in certain population profiles.” Clinical trials have demonstrated the high efficacy of cabotegravir long-acting in preventing HIV infection, particularly in situations where consistent daily adherence to oral PrEP is difficult.
Who Benefits from Injectable PrEP?
The injectable PrEP is indicated for individuals at high risk of HIV infection, especially those for whom oral PrEP is not a viable option. This includes individuals who may struggle with daily medication adherence or experience challenges accessing or affording oral PrEP.
Spain’s Commitment to HIV Prevention
This move aligns with recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNAIDS, which advocate for expanded access to effective prevention strategies to move towards the elimination of HIV as a public health concern. The Sistema de Información de los Programas de PrEP (SIPrEP) is a platform designed to monitor PrEP use and provide information to those interested in using it.
As of March 2025, over 34,000 people in Spain were utilizing PrEP, with programs available across all autonomous communities.
Future Trends in HIV Prevention
Spain’s pioneering decision signals a broader trend towards long-acting HIV prevention options. The success of Apretude could pave the way for increased adoption of similar long-acting formulations globally. Further research is likely to focus on optimizing dosing schedules and identifying individuals who would benefit most from this approach.
The SiPrEP platform, promoted by the National AIDS Plan (PNS), the National Epidemiology Center of the Carlos III Health Institute, and the AIDS Research Network (RIS), will play a crucial role in monitoring the impact of the injectable PrEP and informing future prevention strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Apretude?
Apretude is the brand name for cabotegravir long-acting, an injectable form of PrEP for HIV prevention.
How often is the injectable PrEP administered?
The injectable PrEP is administered via intramuscular injection every two months.
Is injectable PrEP available to everyone?
This proves indicated for people HIV-negative with a high risk of acquiring the infection through sexual contact, and for whom oral PrEP is not a viable alternative.
Where can I uncover more information about PrEP in Spain?
You can find more information on the Ministerio de Sanidad website: https://www.sanidad.gob.es/areas/DCVIHT/vihSida/PrEP/home.htm
Pro Tip: Discuss your individual risk factors and PrEP options with a healthcare professional to determine the best prevention strategy for you.
Did you know? Spain is the first country in Europe to fund injectable PrEP, demonstrating a strong commitment to public health and innovative HIV prevention strategies.
Stay informed about the latest developments in HIV prevention. Explore additional resources on the GTT-VIH website: https://www.gtt-vih.org/