Imagine a future where preventing HIV no longer involves daily pills or inconvenient clinic visits—a future where a single injection given just twice a year almost entirely prevents infection. That future is now, thanks to a groundbreaking medication called lenacapavir (sold as Yeztugo in the U.S. and Yeytuo in Europe).
Here’s how this innovation is reshaping HIV prevention—and why it matters.
A Breakthrough in HIV Prevention
What Is Lenacapavir?
Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable medication known as a capsid inhibitor, offering pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to individuals at risk for HIV-1 infection. Unlike traditional daily pills, this variant requires only two injections per year, making it a game-changer in simplifying HIV prevention.
Global Endorsement and Approvals
- United States: In June 2025, the FDA approved lenacapavir for HIV prevention under the brand name Yeztugo, marking a historic milestone in PrEP medicine.
- European Union: The European Commission authorized the injectable, branded Yeytuo, following the EMA’s positive recommendation—setting the stage for widespread access across EU nations.
- World Health Organization: Shortly afterward, the WHO issued a global recommendation for its use, positioning it alongside oral PrEP and making it a vital option for higher-risk individuals and resource-limited communities.
Unmatched Protection and Convenience
Clinical Results That Speak Volumes
In the pivotal PURPOSE 1 and PURPOSE 2 Phase 3 trials:
- Among women in sub-Saharan Africa, 100% of those receiving lenacapavir remained HIV-negative.
- In diverse cohorts including cisgender men and gender-diverse individuals, the rate was 99.9% HIV-negative—demonstrating extraordinary efficacy.
- Science named lenacapavir its Breakthrough of the Year 2024, underscoring its global significance.
Adherence by Design
Lenacapavir offers a level of convenience previously unimaginable. With just two injections per year, it drastically reduces the burden of daily medication schedules, missed doses, and stigma—without compromising efficacy.
A New Era, with Real Challenges Ahead
Equity in Access
Experts hail lenacapavir as a tool that could be instrumental in ending HIV transmission—if access barriers are addressed.
However, its high list price (~$28,000/year) in the U.S. raises concerns about equitable access, especially amid funding uncertainty.
Gilead has taken steps toward inclusion, licensing generics for 120 lower-income countries, but gaps remain, especially in middle-income regions.
The Path Forward
Even with full approval and endorsement, real-world challenges—like payer policy, healthcare infrastructure, and public health outreach—need urgent attention to ensure lenacapavir reaches those who need it most.
Final Thought
Lenacapavir represents not just a new drug—but a new era in HIV prevention. By offering unmatched protection with unprecedented convenience, it’s set to transform how we think about HIV PrEP. But as we celebrate this breakthrough, success will ultimately depend on whether we ensure no one is left behind in accessing it.
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