The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially endorsed the use of lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable medication for HIV prevention, marking a significant milestone in global efforts to curb the spread of the virus. The announcement came on July 14 during the 13th International AIDS Society Conference in Kigali, Rwanda.
A Game-Changer in HIV Prevention
Lenacapavir—marketed as Sunlenca for treatment and Yeztugo for prevention—is administered just twice a year and offers near-complete protection against HIV infection. It works by targeting the virus’s capsid protein, a critical structure that HIV needs to replicate in the body. This new option could be particularly transformative for people who struggle with daily oral medications.
The drug was first approved in 2022 for the treatment of certain HIV cases. Since then, clinical trials have demonstrated its strong potential as a preventive measure, especially among high-risk populations.
WHO Issues Strong Recommendation
Dr. Meg Doherty, head of WHO’s Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes, described the endorsement as a strong recommendation supported by moderate to high-certainty evidence.
“We recommend lenacapavir as an additional HIV prevention choice for people at risk,” she said. “It should be offered as part of a broader package of preventive options.”
WHO also emphasizes the continued use of rapid HIV tests—including at-home testing kits—before starting, while continuing, and when stopping long-acting PrEP options like lenacapavir.
Expanding the Prevention Toolkit
With this move, lenacapavir joins an expanding lineup of WHO-approved HIV prevention tools, which already includes:
- Daily oral PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)
- Bi-monthly cabotegravir injections
- The monthly dapivirine vaginal ring
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called lenacapavir “the next best thing” to an HIV vaccine, citing its potential to bridge key access and adherence gaps—especially in underserved communities.
Making Access Easier
To encourage broader use of injectable PrEP, WHO has also revised HIV testing protocols to increase availability through community clinics, local pharmacies, and digital health services.
Public health experts say the twice-yearly shot could be a turning point in efforts to reduce HIV transmission—particularly in high-prevalence areas and among people who find it difficult to take daily medication consistently.