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Lenacapavir

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March 21, 2025

Why in the news?

Yearly HIV prevention injection shows promise in clinical trials.

  • Lenacapavir is an investigational anti-retroviral drug developed by Gilead Sciences.
  • Approved by - U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
  • It acts as a long-acting HIV treatment and prevention drug designed to be administered as an injection.
  • Administration and Dosage - Lenacapavir is available in two forms
    • Subcutaneous Injection (Twice a Year)
    • Intramuscular Injection (Once a Year – Under Trial)
  • Working - Lenacapavir is a capsid inhibitor, that targets the HIV-1 capsid, a protein shell that protects the virus's genetic material.
  • By interfering with the capsid’s function, it prevents HIV from replicating and infecting new cells.
  • Unlike most HIV drugs that target enzymes (like reverse transcriptase or protease), Lenacapavir disrupts multiple stages of the viral life cycle, making it a unique and effective approach.
  • The yearly version aims to provide long-term HIV prevention, making it more convenient than daily PrEP pills.
  • Current Status - The Phase 1 trial for yearly prevention showed promising results, but larger studies are needed.
  • A twice-a-year version for treatment has already shown success in Phase 3 trials.

Currently, there is no cure or vaccine approved for HIV/AIDS.

Reference

The Hindu | Lenacapavir

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