A groundbreaking HIV prevention method is on the horizon as new studies reveal the high efficacy of a six-month injectable treatment. The antiretroviral drug, lenacapavir, has been hailed as a major advancement, offering extended protection with just two doses per year, according to pivotal studies released by the International AIDS Society on Monday.
The results of two pivotal studies, PURPOSE 1 and PURPOSE 2, were presented at the HIV Research for Prevention (HIVR4P) conference in Lima, Peru. The studies demonstrated that the injection is not only safe but also far more effective than current daily prevention pills, particularly for individuals at higher risk of contracting HIV.
In the PURPOSE 1 study, none of the 2,134 participants who received lenacapavir contracted HIV, while the PURPOSE 2 study recorded only two infections among 2,179 participants. “The lenacapavir injection significantly outperforms current prevention pills,” stated Dr. Colleen Kelley, lead investigator of the study.
Gilead Sciences, the drug’s manufacturer, is moving toward regulatory approval to make the injection globally available. Gilead’s CEO, Daniel O’Day, emphasized the company’s commitment: “We will work urgently with all partners to ensure access to lenacapavir for those who need PrEP worldwide.”
The studies reported a 96% reduction in HIV infections, underscoring the injection’s potential to transform HIV prevention efforts across diverse populations.
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