U.S. FDA Approves Lenacapavir: First Twice-Yearly HIV Prevention Shot
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given its official approval to Lenacapavir as the first-ever twice-yearly injectable medication for HIV prevention, commonly known as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). This milestone marks a groundbreaking advancement in HIV prevention strategies, offering a new option for people who may find it difficult to stick to the traditional daily pill regimen.
Lenacapavir, marketed under the name Sunlenca, works by blocking the HIV virus from multiplying in the body. Unlike other forms of PrEP that require daily oral doses, this injectable only needs to be administered once every six months. This extended protection could significantly improve adherence among individuals at high risk of HIV, particularly those in communities where access to medication or stigma around daily pill use can be barriers to consistent prevention.
Public health experts see this development as a potential game-changer. By offering a discreet, long-acting alternative to daily PrEP, Lenacapavir could help expand HIV prevention efforts globally. It represents a hopeful step forward in the decades-long fight against HIV/AIDS, with the potential to dramatically reduce new infections and reshape how we approach prevention moving forward.
