The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially approved a groundbreaking injectable drug for HIV prevention – and the best part? You only need to take it twice a year.
The drug, called Lenacapavir, is being hailed as a game-changer. Unlike the daily pills currently used for HIV prevention, this shot offers long-lasting protection with just two injections every 12 months. Health experts say this could make a huge difference, especially for people who struggle with taking pills every day or worry about the stigma of using HIV medication.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has praised the approval, saying it could help expand access to HIV prevention around the world. WHO also plans to release official guidelines on using Lenacapavir during the upcoming International AIDS Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, next month.
Clinical trials showed the injectable to be over 99% effective in preventing HIV infection – a stunning result that gives new hope in the fight against the virus.
Lenacapavir, developed by Gilead Sciences and now branded as “Yeztugo”, is expected to start rolling out globally soon. The company says it’s committed to working with countries and health organizations to make the drug available in low- and middle-income regions, where the HIV burden remains high.
With only two shots a year, Lenacapavir could make HIV prevention easier, more private, and more accessible than ever before.
This approval isn’t just a medical milestone – it’s a powerful reminder that science continues to push forward, bringing us closer to ending the HIV epidemic for good.
