Brizzi M, Metzner AA, Van Dam C, Birnbaum JM, Harbison C, Garbinsky D, Cole KA, Rab S, Boyle K, Reynolds M, Sherif B, Richardson D, Morris R, Swygard H, Sullivan M, Zografos L. Real-world experience using cabotegravir long-acting for HIV-1 pre-exposure prophylaxis in the United States from cross-sectional surveys and retrospective chart reviews: results from the CAPTIVATE study. Poster presented at the 26th International AIDS Conference; July 26, 2026. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the real-world pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) user experience is vital to optimizing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) preventive care. CAPTIVATE describes perspectives of cabotegravir long-acting (CAB-LA) users highlighting benefits of use, factors influencing PrEP choice, and preference.

METHODS: CAPTIVATE included cross-sectional user experience surveys and retrospective chart reviews via case report forms (CRF) of PrEP users with CAB-LA experience across 18 US sites (Nov 2024—Apr 2025). Participants were ≥18 years old and had ≥6 months of follow-up after CAB-LA initiation. Those completing the survey received their most recent injection within the last 6 months and could speak, read, and understand English or Spanish.

RESULTS: Among 241 individuals with a median age of 36 (range, 19-72), 235 continued CAB-LA at enrollment according to CRF. Self-disclosed gender identity included 76% men, 8% women, and 15% transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-confirming individuals; 54% reported their race as white and 29% African American/Black. CRF shows primary reasons for initiating CAB-LA were “PrEP user request” and that “CAB-LA was more convenient/easier for PrEP user to adhere to” (19% each). PrEP-user survey showed primary reason was “I felt like CAB-LA would be more convenient than taking PrEP by mouth/easier to keep up with CAB-LA injections as prescribed” (43%) and 63% noted their HCP initiated the conversation around CAB-LA first. Both CRFs and PrEP user surveys revealed ancillary benefits of CAB-LA visits including the ability to screen for STIs (CRF, 95%) and PrEP users' assurance they received their dose and had HIV protection (survey, 94%). In those with prior oral PrEP experience, 97% preferred CAB-LA. Table 1 shows participant reasons for needing HIV prevention while Table 2 provides participant responses on their experience using CAB-LA. No HIV diagnoses were reported during the study period.