WHO backs Lenacapavir as a twice-yearly injection to prevent HIV
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recommended injectable lenacapavir as a new option for HIV prevention, marking a pivotal moment in the global fight against HIV and AIDS. As of 2024, UNAIDS reports that 40.8 million people are living with HIV globally, while 1.3 million received a new diagnosis that same year.
Despite ongoing efforts, there is no approved vaccine for HIV. However, the introduction of lenacapavir, with its long-acting dosing and potent antiviral properties, may change how we approach prevention strategies moving forward.
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What is Lenacapavir and how does it work?
Lenacapavir is a novel HIV capsid inhibitor, originally approved in 2022 for treatment of multidrug-resistant HIV under the brand name Sunlenca. It works by disrupting multiple stages of the HIV life cycle, making it a powerful addition to the arsenal of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) options.
Now, under the name Yeztugo, lenacapavir has received WHO endorsement as a preventive injectable, to be administered twice yearly. In clinical studies such as PURPOSE 1 and PURPOSE 2, lenacapavir showed near 100% prevention efficacy among at-risk populations.
Why WHO recommends injectable Lenacapavir for HIV prevention
At the IAS 2025 HIV Science Conference, WHO announced its new guidelines recommending twice-yearly lenacapavir injections as an alternative to daily oral PrEP regimens like Truvada and Descovy, or the bimonthly injectable Apretude (cabotegravir).
- PURPOSE 1 (cisgender women): 0 infections reported in those who received lenacapavir.
- PURPOSE 2 (cisgender men & gender-diverse people): 99.9% did not contract HIV.
These results form the basis of WHO’s guidance, which supports broadening PrEP options for people who face barriers such as daily pill adherence, clinic visit frequency, or HIV stigma.
Expert perspectives on the future of HIV prevention
According to Dr. Carolyn Chu, chief medical officer at the American Academy of HIV Medicine, lenacapavir’s long-acting profile and resistance-fighting capabilities make it a scientific breakthrough in PrEP delivery.
Dr. Edward Liu of Hackensack Meridian Health adds that a 6-month injectable reduces the need for daily dosing — especially important in areas with limited access to health infrastructure or where HIV stigma remains high.
Meanwhile, Dr. Paul E. Sax of Harvard Medical School emphasizes the cost-effectiveness of prevention over lifelong treatment, especially in resource-limited settings.
Why this matters: The global urgency to prevent HIV
Although HIV incidence has dropped by 39% since 2010, infections are rising in some regions. Effective and accessible prevention options like lenacapavir are essential to reverse this trend. Beyond medication, WHO also encourages expanding HIV testing through rapid diagnostic tools.
Looking ahead, experts urge health systems to ensure equitable rollout of lenacapavir — from medication distribution and community training to appointment reminders — so this innovation can reach everyone who needs it.
Stay informed. Stay ahead.
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