EU Sanctions Revolutionary Biannual HIV Prevention Injection
European regulators have given the green light to a revolutionary biannual injection for HIV prevention. This groundbreaking development is being hailed as a game-changer in the battle against the epidemic. On Friday, July 25, 2025, the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) advisory committee issued a positive opinion, paving the way for the European Commission to approve the drug in the upcoming months.
The injection, named lenacapavir and developed by pharmaceutical company Gilead, was recognized as one of the most significant medical breakthroughs of 2024. Clinical studies showed the drug to be 100% effective in preventing the virus, offering a revolutionary alternative to daily pills. Lenacapavir is a form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which works by preventing the virus from replicating and spreading within the body.
Health experts are optimistic that the availability of a biannual injection could significantly enhance efforts to control HIV, which currently affects approximately 40.8 million people worldwide. An estimated 630,000 people succumbed to AIDS-related illnesses last year. The convenience of this injection is a crucial factor, as current PrEP medications require strict daily intake. Uptake and adherence to these medications are often suboptimal due to access limitations.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also granted approval for the new drug last month. In the EU, Gilead plans to market it under the name Yeytuo. Gilead has committed to selling generic versions of the drug in 120 lower-income countries with high HIV rates. However, availability may be affected by recent cuts in global health funding.
Source: Euronews