#HIV Prevention #Continuity Biosciences #Ultra-Long-Acting

Continuity Biosciences Secures $9.6 Million Grant for Innovative HIV Prevention Implant

Continuity Biosciences, LLC, a clinical-stage biotechnology firm based in Florida and Seattle, has announced a groundbreaking milestone. The company has been awarded a grant of up to $9.6 million from the Gates Foundation to develop an ultra-long-acting subcutaneous implant designed for HIV prevention in emerging countries. With the capacity to release antiretroviral (ARV) medication over extended periods post-insertion, this innovative solution aims to simplify HIV prevention efforts, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

A New Paradigm in HIV Prevention

The implant technology represents a significant evolution in HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). By providing sustained drug release over several years from a single device, it offers a viable alternative to daily oral medications and frequent injections, thus reducing the complexity and frequency of treatment regimens. Dr. Ramakrishna Venugopalan, co-founder and CEO of Continuity Biosciences, articulated the challenge faced by individuals in HIV prevention. He noted that many people struggle with the requirement of consistent daily adherence to medication, which can often be a major barrier to effective preventive care.

"A prevention option that delivers protection over years has the potential to revolutionize access to care, especially in communities with limited healthcare infrastructure,” said Dr. Venugopalan.

Despite advancements in medical treatments, the UNAIDS reported 1.2 million new HIV infections as of 2025. Current oral PrEP methods, while highly effective when taken as prescribed, often pose adherence challenges. Furthermore, long-acting injections, though they extend dosing intervals, still necessitate periodic visits to healthcare facilities—a significant hurdle in resource-strapped regions.

The Technology Behind the Implant

The implant utilizes Continuity’s proprietary nanofluidic drug delivery technology, which ingeniously controls the release of drugs through precisely engineered microchannels. This design enables the maintenance of consistent therapeutic drug concentrations over extended time frames while minimizing the need for recurrent dosing.

Dr. Alessandro Grattoni, co-founder and Chief Scientific Advisor, emphasized the simplicity behind the design philosophy. “The essence of our nanofluidic implant is that HIV prevention shouldn’t hinge on remembering to take a daily pill or making it to a clinic appointment. By managing drug delivery at the device level, we aim to ensure a steady supply of ARVs over several years from a single implant.”

The funding will also assist in preparing for the Investigational New Drug (IND) application process, which will ultimately facilitate the initiation of early-phase clinical trials involving human subjects.

Commitment to Global Accessibility

In addition to advancing the technological development, Continuity has pledged to make resulting technologies accessible globally at affordable prices, catering to populations in need. This