Yearly Jab For HIV Protection Is Now Almost Here

A new study published in The Lancet medical journal finally found an annual injection designed to prevent Human Immunodeficiency or HIV. This is after the competition of early safety trial. The injectable drug, Lenacapavir, works by stopping the virus from replicating inside cells, potentially offering a long-term alternative to daily medication for HIV prevention.

How Does Lenacapavir Work?

Currently, individuals at risk of contracting HIV can take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in the form of daily pills or injections administered every eight weeks. Lenacapavir, however, could provide protection for an entire year with just a single injection. This would make it the longest-acting form of HIV prevention available if it successfully passes further trials.

PrEP medications are highly effective in reducing the risk of HIV, but adherence to a daily regimen can be challenging for some individuals. A long-lasting injection could help address this issue by making prevention more accessible and convenient.

The Phase I Trial: A Significant Milestone

In the initial Phase I trial, 40 HIV-negative participants received an injection of Lenacapavir directly into the muscle. The results showed no major side effects or safety concerns. Additionally, the drug remained detectable in their bodies after 56 weeks, indicating its potential for long-term efficacy.

While these early results are promising, researchers emphasized the need for larger, more diverse clinical trials to further assess the drug’s effectiveness and safety across different populations. These upcoming trials were discussed at the 2025 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections.

Addressing the Global HIV Epidemic

According to the latest 2023 figures, approximately 39.9 million people are living with HIV worldwide, with 65% of cases reported in the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region. Global health organizations, including WHO, the Global Fund, and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), have set a goal to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. Improving access to preventive measures like PrEP is a key part of this strategy.

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A yearly injection such as Lenacapavir could help overcome barriers to PrEP accessibility by increasing its uptake and making it more scalable. Researchers believe this innovation has the potential to significantly impact global HIV prevention efforts.

The Need for Equitable Access

Richard Angell, from the HIV charity Terrence Higgins Trust, called the development of injectable PrEP "exciting and transformational." He highlighted that while daily PrEP pills have already been a game-changer in HIV prevention, a safe, annual injection could further revolutionize the fight against HIV.

However, Angell also pointed out existing inequalities in PrEP access. In many places, oral PrEP is still not available in prisons, online, or through community pharmacies. While Scotland recently approved two-monthly PrEP injections, England is still awaiting approval from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).