The HIV prevention drug has been approved in England and Wales.

The injection is given six times a year.

The previous drug was taken daily. The drug was already available in the United Kingdom, Scotland, and its launch in England and Wales is being described as "game-changing".

The drug, cabotegravir (CAB-LA), is part of the UK's plan to eliminate HIV by 2030.

Early results from studies of the drug, lenacapavir, suggest that patients can take the drug only once a year.

Health and Social Security Secretary Wes String said: "The approval of this landmark drug demonstrates the government's commitment to saving lives by providing modern medicines."

"It gives hope to people who cannot access HIV medicine," he added.

HIV drugs have been used for years. The drugs used to control the spread of the disease are taken daily, which is not convenient for patients.