New HIV prevention trial for women+ launched in Birmingham

A new, six-monthly injection to reduce the risk of HIV transmission is being offered to sexually active women in Birmingham as part of a new study. The study offers participants a twice-yearly injectable PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) called Lenacapivir. The study is set to be carried out in France and the UK, with trials in Birmingham, Manchester, London and Brighton, following successful trials in Africa. The study is inclusive of trans women and non-binary people, who feel they may benefit from PrEP, and participants need to have had unprotected sexual intercourse with at least two different partners in the last six months.

Dr Steve Taylor, a principal investigator for the Purpose 5 trial and Clinical Service Lead for the Birmingham Heartlands HIV service, said that the Purpose 1 trial of the drug which took place in Africa was 100% effective with none of the 2,134 women given Lenacapavir becoming HIV positive.

Currently, PrEP is offered in the UK on the NHS as a daily tablet which, if taken correctly, significantly reduces the risk of HIV in people who are likely to be exposed to the virus.

Dr Steve Taylor said: "These injectable PrEP technologies have the potential to transform HIV prevention efforts in the UK and the wider world

"Its aim is to determine whether the injections provide additional benefit as an HIV prevention strategy, and would be an attractive and acceptable option for women."

This trial is being targeted at women as they are less likely to take PrEp tablets. Government figures found that 75% of men who have sex with men, who were identified as having a need for PrEP by NHS sexual health services in England, had started or continued to take it in 2023. Fewer than 4% of all PrEP prescriptions in the UK are for women.

However, women who have sex with men now account for the highest proportion of new HIV diagnoses in England making up 46% of all new HIV transmissions through sex in 2023.

Eligible participants in the study will receive either a daily pill or the new six-monthly injection. The trial will last a minimum of two years and will require around four clinic visits a year.

Dan Hartland, chief executive of West Midlands HIV support charity Saving Lives, said: "Injectable, long-acting PrEP is a major advance in the field of HIV prevention, particularly for women. If we are to achieve the government target to eliminate new HIV transmissions by 2030, we need a combination approach of testing, treatment and preventative tools."

Those interested in taking part in Birmingham need to email the team: coreresearchteambhh@uhb.nhs.uk before the end of April.