Dear Commissioner Shuford,
The National Medical Association (NMA) would like to share comments regarding the Texas HIV Medication Program (THMP) which requested the inclusion and implementation of CABENUVA in THMP for the benefit of those living with HIV in the state of Texas.
Proposed Change
The Texas HIV Medication program is the official AIDS Assistance Program in the state of Texas. Unfortunately, Texas has the second-highest rate of new HIV infections in the country with a report from the Texas Department of State Health Services reporting that 1 in 305 of all Texans have the disease as of 2018, and the rate has continued to increase.
Medical science has made monumental strides in HIV therapies and treatments for those living with HIV for them to lead long, healthy lives. CABENUVA is the first complete prescription treatment for those aged 12 and older to treat their HIV-1. The long-acting medication was approved by the FDA in January 2021 as a once-monthly treatment for HIV-1 in virologically suppressed adults. It was tested in 3 clinical trials with more than 2,200 undetectable adults who altogether switched or continued their current regimen. 9 out of the 10 studied remained undetectable and preferred the long-acting treatment over their current regimen. Historically, HIV treatments required daily pills to maintain a low viral load and remain undetectable, however with CABENUVA, treatments can be reduced to as few as 6 times per year as it is approved to be dosed monthly or every two months.
The National Medical Association prioritizes the importance of health equity for all. Our President, Dr. Yolanda Lawson, is a Texas OB/GYN who stresses the importance of adequate care options and our President-Elect, Dr. Virginia Caine, is an infectious disease expert who has completed decades of clinical work and research on HIV. NMA recognizes the critical need for expansive care options for patients with HIV and strongly urges the Texas ADAP to expand coverage for CABENUVA and other FDA approved long-acting injectable (LAI) HIV treatment.
Access to healthcare is one of the effective pathways to achieving health equity. Currently, Texas is one of only 7 states that does not include CABENUVA in their HIV treatment programs. When the treatment came out in 2021, recipients of Texas’ ADAP requested CABENUVA be added as a treatment option and were directed that local options, including possible local funding, could be requested to cover the drug for those who need it, however that is not enough.
As the primary entity covering HIV for vulnerable populations in the state of Texas, we urge you to ensure increased access to those living with HIV by ensuring access of CABENUVA and other long-acting treatment options through THMP in your drug formulary. It is crucial that we all utilize our voice to advocate for patient wellness to move the needle on health equity. Thank you for your consideration and time.
The National Medical Association (NMA) is the largest and oldest national professional and scientific organization representing the interests of the 50,000 African American physicians and the patients they serve in the United States. We are committed to improving the quality of health among minorities and disadvantaged people through our membership, professional development, community health education, advocacy, research, and partnerships with federal and private agencies. It is through this lens that we work to find solutions for the most pressing health issues that impact our patients.
