Gilead’s new twice-yearly HIV prevention injection gets FDA approval
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently given approval for a groundbreaking new HIV prevention drug. This new drug, named Yeztugo, is a twice-yearly injectable shot developed by Gilead Sciences. It is the first and only of its kind, offering a new approach to preventing HIV in adults and adolescents.
Yeztugo contains lenacapavir, an HIV-1 capsid inhibitor that has shown remarkable results in clinical studies. The drug is administered as an injectable under the skin, slowly absorbed by the body. Before starting the treatment, individuals must have a negative HIV-1 test.
In large trials conducted last year, Yeztugo proved to be nearly 100% effective in preventing HIV. It outperformed once-daily oral medications like Truvada, another drug by Gilead. The journal Science recognized lenacapavir as the 2024 “Breakthrough of the Year.”
What sets lenacapavir apart from other antiviral medications is its multi-stage approach to inhibiting HIV. While most antivirals target one stage of viral replication, lenacapavir works on multiple stages of the virus’s lifecycle. This unique mechanism of action makes it a significant scientific breakthrough in the fight against HIV.
Yeztugo offers a promising opportunity to help end the HIV epidemic, according to Gilead Sciences CEO Daniel O’Day. The drug has the potential to transform HIV prevention and reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV in at-risk populations.
Some of the commonly reported side effects of Yeztugo during clinical trials include injection site reactions, headache, and nausea. However, the overall efficacy and safety profile of the drug make it a significant advancement in HIV prevention.
In conclusion, the approval of Yeztugo by the FDA marks a historic milestone in the fight against HIV. This innovative injectable drug has the potential to revolutionize HIV prevention and make a significant impact on public health. As further research and development continue, Yeztugo represents a new era in the treatment and prevention of HIV.
