By Matik Kueth
The U.S. has approved the world’s only twice-a-year injection to prevent HIV, according to Gilead Sciences, marking a major step in the global fight against the virus.
The medication, called lenacapavir, is the first of its kind and has shown near-total prevention of new infections in high-risk groups, outperforming daily preventive pills in major studies.
Although an HIV vaccine remains elusive, experts see lenacapavir as a breakthrough. Unlike daily pills or bi-monthly injections, this shot offers protection for six months at a time, making it an appealing option for those deterred by frequent dosing, doctor visits, or stigma.
Houston resident Ian Haddock, who has used different forms of PrEP since 2015, welcomed the convenience of the long-lasting shot. Now part of an ongoing study, he says the switch made his prevention routine much easier to manage.
One large trial in South Africa and Uganda involved over 5,300 sexually active young women and teen girls. None of those who received lenacapavir contracted HIV, while about 2% of those on daily pills did.
A separate study also found high effectiveness among gay men and gender-nonconforming people in the U.S. and several other countries with high HIV rates.
The injectable prevention drug, branded as Yeztugo, will be administered as two shots under the skin of the abdomen.
Gilead already sells lenacapavir under the name Sunlenca for HIV treatment. However, the price of the new PrEP version hasn’t been revealed.
It’s important to note that while lenacapavir prevents HIV transmission, it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections.
Global HIV prevention efforts have stalled, with around 30,000 new infections annually in the U.S. and 1.3 million worldwide.
Despite PrEP’s proven success in lowering infection rates, only about 400,000 Americans currently use it, far fewer than the number who could benefit.
Women, who account for nearly half of new infections, especially need discreet prevention methods they can control independently.
The twice-a-year shot may offer a vital new tool in revitalizing the battle against HIV.