(475) Design and Characterization of Long-acting Subcutaneous Implants Developed Using Hot-Melt Extrusion

Introduction: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a promising strategy for prevention of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Currently, 41% of oral daily PrEP users discontinue it within 6 months of initiation (1). A long-acting delivery system that releases the drug in a controlled manner can help overcome challenges including poor adherence and burdensome daily regimens associated with oral PrEP (2). Here, we describe the development and characterization of controlled-release subcutaneous implants for HIV PrEP containing Bictegravir (BIC), a second-generation integrase inhibitor (3).