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 trialforyearly 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.
