New hope in the fight against HIV. A once-a-year injection instead of daily pills.

HIV prevention is becoming increasingly simpler and more effective. A Phase 3 trial is underway for the drug lenacapavir, which could potentially be administered only once a year as a form of PrEP. This represents a breakthrough, as previously, patients had to take daily pills or injections every few weeks.

The next generation of HIV prevention

Lenacapavir is an antiviral drug that targets several stages of HIV-1 multiplication, effectively blocking its replication. It has been approved in the European Union for a two-injection regimen per year—already the longest-acting form of PrEP available. Scientists are now investigating whether a once-yearly regimen might be just as effective and safe.

The research results give hope

In two large clinical trials, PURPOSE 1 and PURPOSE 2, the drug achieved 100% and 99.9% effectiveness, respectively, surpassing daily pill prophylaxis.

The PURPOSE-365 study is currently underway to confirm the safety and tolerability of annual administration.

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Why is this so important?

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is crucial, especially for groups most at risk of HIV infection. The pills require consistent administration, and even eight-weekly injections (cabotegravir) require frequent visits to a healthcare provider. An annual injection would be incomparably more convenient and could significantly improve adherence.

Progress in HIV prevention doesn't stop with drugs. Research is ongoing on mRNA vaccines, which—similar to COVID-19 vaccines—are designed to stimulate the immune system to produce neutralizing antibodies. Although an effective HIV vaccine has not yet been developed, preliminary Phase 1 results are promising.

If studies confirm the effectiveness of lenacapavir administered once a year, it will be the simplest and most convenient form of HIV protection ever.