Injectable PrEP continues to show promising results
A recent clinical trial has revealed that Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable form of PrEP, achieved a staggering 96% reduction in HIV infections, significantly outperforming the traditional daily oral PrEP options. Developed by Gilead Sciences, Lenacapavir offers a compelling alternative to those who struggle with daily medication adherence. The company is actively seeking FDA approval for this injectable formulation, with expectations for it to hit the market by mid to late 2025. This follows previous successful trials demonstrating Lenacapavir's efficacy in preventing HIV in diverse populations, including a notable study involving over 5,000 young cisgender women in Africa, where it proved 100% effective. The U.
S. Preventive Services Task Force has endorsed injectable PrEP, which may pave the way for insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act by 2025. In comparison, ViiV Healthcare’s Apretude, another injectable PrEP option, requires administration every other month. With a comprehensive dataset supporting Lenacapavir's effectiveness, Gilead aims to collaborate with regulatory and public health partners to ensure timely access if approved. Daniel O’Day, Gilead's CEO, emphasized the potential of Lenacapavir to transform HIV prevention and help end the epidemic.