Named lenacapavir, this long-acting medication inhibits the virus’s ability to replicate. In contrast to daily PrEP pills, lenacapavir is administered once a year, gradually releasing into the bloodstream to provide ongoing protection.
Clinical trials demonstrated that the drug maintained effective levels in the body for more than 56 weeks. The majority of side effects reported were mild, with temporary pain at the injection site being the most frequently noted.
In the study, 40 participants who were HIV-negative received a single injection, and no significant safety issues were identified. The findings have generated enthusiasm among HIV advocacy organizations, offering hope for a more user-friendly prevention method.
The research findings were published in The Lancet medical journal.