ViiV Healthcare, a global specialist HIV company majority owned by GSK, with Pfizer Inc and Shionogi Limited as shareholders, announced positive findings on Thursday from people living with HIV (PLHIV) who are participating in the CUSTOMIZE trial (Cabotegravir plus Rilpivirine in the US To Optimize and Measure Implementation and Experience).

CUSTOMIZE is the first-ever implementation science study that aims to identify successful methods of integrating the investigational once-monthly, long-acting regimen of cabotegravir and rilpivirine for the treatment of HIV-1 into clinical practices in the US. These findings build on recently presented healthcare provider and clinical staff survey perspectives and were presented on the announcement date at the 2020 Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) IDWeek.

The CUSTOMIZE study was launched in July 2019 to find the most practical and efficient ways to implement a monthly injectable treatment regimen in the US which, if approved, has the potential to create a paradigm shift in HIV treatment. Since the study began, a team from ViiV Healthcare has worked with healthcare providers, clinical staff, and patients across a range of medical practices, including federally qualified health centres, academic medical centres, and private physician offices.

As part of a survey given to patient participants after the first four months of the study, the majority (91%) said they continued to perceive the once-monthly injectable regimen as highly acceptable for treating their HIV and an appropriate treatment option for their life.

The full 12-month results from the CUSTOMIZE study will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting. The corresponding CARISEL study, which will examine the implementation of the long-acting regimen of cabotegravir and rilpivirine in certain European healthcare settings, started in September 2020 and initial results are expected in 2021.