Continuity Biosciences Receives $9.6 Million for HIV Prevention Implant Development
Biotechnology company Continuity Biosciences has secured up to $9.6 million in funding from the Gates Foundation to advance a long-acting implant for HIV prevention. The development aims to improve access in low- and middle-income countries.
Continuity Biosciences, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, announced it has received a grant of up to $9.6 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The funding will support the development of an ultra-long-acting subcutaneous implant designed to deliver antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
The implant is intended to offer an alternative to daily pills and regular injections by continuously releasing HIV prevention medication over multiple years after a single implantation. This approach aims to simplify adherence and reduce the need for frequent clinic visits, particularly benefiting individuals at risk of HIV in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
The grant will fund studies necessary for an Investigational New Drug (IND) application and the initiation of a Phase 1 human clinical trial. The company's nanofluidic drug delivery technology is designed to control drug release at a constant rate over an extended period, maintaining protective levels and reducing dosing frequency.
According to UNAIDS, 1.2 million new HIV infections occurred in 2025. While daily oral PrEP is highly effective when taken as prescribed, adherence remains a challenge for many. Long-acting injectables require regular clinic visits, which can be difficult to access. Continuity Biosciences' implant seeks to overcome these barriers by providing sustained protection through a single implanted device.