New research finds that 94% of patients taking the injectable HIV treatment Cabenuva had undetectable viral levels at their last test, strengthening the case for alternatives to daily medication.

For millions of people living with HIV, managing the virus has traditionally meant taking medication every day. But new research suggests that injections administered once a month or every two months can offer another effective way to keep the virus under control.

A large U.S. study presented at IDWeek 2026 found that 94% of participants taking Cabenuva had undetectable HIV levels at their most recent viral load test. The findings offer encouraging evidence that the treatment works outside carefully controlled clinical trials.

Cabenuva combines two antiretroviral medications, cabotegravir and rilpivirine. Approved in 2021, the treatment replaces daily pills with injections administered by a healthcare provider.

What the Study Found

Researchers examined 6,955 adults who switched from daily medication to Cabenuva between 2021 and 2025. Among participants with follow-up viral load measurements:

• 94% had undetectable HIV levels at their last test.
• 81% maintained viral suppression at every recorded visit.
• 1% experienced confirmed virologic failure.

The study also found that 95% of patients who completed the initial injections received subsequent doses on time or within a week of schedule. Among those completing initiation, 77% remained in care and on Cabenuva, with a median treatment duration of 18 months.

The findings are particularly relevant to communities disproportionately affected by HIV. Black adults represented 43% of study participants, Latino adults accounted for 32%, and 57% lived in the Southern United States.

However, Cabenuva is currently FDA-approved as a maintenance treatment for eligible patients who have already achieved viral suppression. It is not appropriate for everyone, particularly those with certain forms of drug resistance.

The Bigger Picture

Long-acting HIV treatment could reduce the burden of daily medication while helping patients maintain viral suppression. But injections still require regular healthcare appointments, making insurance coverage, provider access and consistent care essential to expanding treatment options.

Sources: POZ, October 28, 2026 | IDWeek 2026 Research Announcement | ViiV Healthcare OPERA Study Findings