Health prevention

New HIV preventive treatment arrives in France

Publié le 25 mars 2026 - Public Service / Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

An innovative treatment, PrEP prevents HIV infection. After oral tablets, France is now the first country in the European Union to take 100% of injectable PrEP. Public Service you needle.

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Image 1Crédits: Anton - stock.adobe.com

Cabotegravir (new molecule) injectable PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis or pre-exposure preventive treatment), now marketed in France as Apretude, offers a new way to protect yourself from HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). This method of prevention, in the form of injections, helps protect a person not infected with HIV.

Since February 2026, injectable PrEP is officially available in France, which becomes the first European Union country to offer 100% coverage by the Health Insurance (since March 2, 2026, according to a order of 18 february 2026).

How does PrEP work?

PrEP is an antiretroviral treatment given before possible exposure to the virus, which aims to prevent infection.

Long-acting injectable PrEP is an alternative to oral PrEP (tablets to be taken daily). It is administered by intramuscular injection and provides protection for 2 months. The rhythm over one year is thus 6 injections and eases the constraint of daily oral intake.

PrEP is currently recommended for all adults at high risk of HIV infection.

FYI  

PrEP reduces the risk of HIV infection but does not eliminate it. Unlike condoms, it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (syphilis, genital herpes, chlamydial infections...). PrEP also does not protect against other blood-borne infections such as hepatitis C.

PrEP is a method of prevention that today relies on the combination of several complementary tools:

  • the use of condoms;
  • regular testing for HIV and sexually transmitted infections;
  • post-exposure treatment (POT);
  • treatment of people living with HIV that prevents transmission;
  • pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Please note

The implementation of PrEP requires clinical expertise and an adapted organization of the care pathway.

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