US: An annual injection designed to prevent Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has completed its first safety trial. If further trials confirm its effectiveness, lenacapavir could become the longest-acting form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) available.
Lenacapavir works by preventing the virus from replicating inside cells. Currently, HIV prevention options include daily pills or bi-monthly injections. This new development offers the potential for a single annual dose, significantly improving convenience and adherence.
In the Phase I trial, 40 HIV-negative participants received intramuscular injections of lenacapavir. Researchers observed no major side effects, and the drug remained detectable in their systems for 56 weeks.
Future trials will focus on a more diverse participant pool, as discussed at the 2025 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections.
Experts believe a once-a-year PrEP injection could help overcome barriers to HIV prevention. Yearly dosing of lenacapavir has the potential to improve the uptake, adherence, and scalability of PrEP.
As lenacapavir moves into advanced trials, it represents a potential milestone in global HIV prevention- offering hope for a more accessible and effective long-term solution.
