Twice-a-Year HIV Prevention Injection Approved: What You Need to Know About Lenacapavir

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug that offers powerful protection against HIV — with just two injections a year. This groundbreaking treatment could be a game-changer for millions of people at risk of HIV infection globally.

🔬 What is Lenacapavir?

Lenacapavir is a new type of HIV prevention medication that works differently from traditional options. Unlike daily pills known as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), Lenacapavir is an injectable drug administered once every six months, making it the first HIV prevention method to offer protection for such an extended period.

It works by targeting and weakening HIV’s protective shell (capsid), preventing the virus from replicating at multiple stages of its life cycle. This innovative mechanism makes it a major advancement in HIV prevention.

💊 Why It Matters

Many people find it hard to take daily HIV pills due to factors like:

• Busy schedules

• Forgetfulness

• Stigma

• Side effects

• Limited access or cost

Lenacapavir eliminates the need for daily medication, offering a discreet and manageable alternative. After an initial short course of pills taken either before or just after the first injection, the drug continues working with just one shot under the skin every six months.

This makes it ideal for individuals who prefer less frequent treatment or face barriers to taking daily medication consistently.

✅ Proven Effectiveness and Safety

• Clinical trials show that Lenacapavir is highly effective in preventing HIV.

• Most users experience mild side effects, such as temporary redness or swelling at the injection site.

• A small number of people have reported nausea or minor drug interactions — which is why the drug must be administered under medical supervision.

• Note: Lenacapavir does not protect against other STIs, so condoms and regular screening remain essential.

Two rare cases of breakthrough infection were linked to a virus mutation resistant to the drug, highlighting the importance of regular medical checkups during use.

🌍 Global Rollout: What’s Next?

Despite its promise, the price of Lenacapavir may limit how quickly it reaches the people who need it most. In the U.S., it currently costs around $28,000 per year (approx. KSh 3.6 million). But experts estimate that if produced generically at scale, the drug could cost as little as $25 per year, making it much more accessible for low- and middle-income countries, including Kenya.

Efforts are already underway:

• The UK may approve the drug later in 2025

• Global health organizations are pushing for affordable access in countries heavily affected by HIV

Earlier this year, Gilead (the drug’s manufacturer) also released early data on a once-a-year injection, suggesting that even longer-term prevention may soon be available.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Lenacapavir represents a major step forward in the fight against HIV. By offering long-lasting protection with just two injections a year, it provides a practical, discreet, and effective option for those who struggle with daily medication.

While it won’t replace the need for condoms or regular HIV testing, it can help reduce new infections and bring us closer to ending the HIV epidemic especially if global efforts ensure it’s affordable and accessible to all.