In a major step forward in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, the United States has approved a new preventative treatment developed by the American biotechnology company Gilead Sciences. The medication, named Yeztugo, consists of just two injections per year, marking a significant breakthrough in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) — the treatment given to individuals at risk of HIV infection but who are not yet infected.
Yztogo’s approval has been hailed as a potential game-changer, particularly for populations in developing countries, where access to daily oral medication can be challenging. Unlike existing PrEP treatments that require daily adherence, Yeztugo offers a long-acting, low-maintenance alternative with fewer side effects and improved effectiveness.
“This is a historic day in the fight against HIV,” said Daniel O’Day, CEO of Gilead Sciences, in an official statement following the drug’s approval. He added that this innovative approach to HIV prevention could significantly advance global efforts to eradicate the disease.
According to Gilead, Yeztugo will be made available in the U.S. for adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kilograms who are eligible or interested in preventive treatment.
The treatment uses lenacapavir, the same long-acting molecule featured in Sunlenca (or Senlenka), Gilead’s antiretroviral medication approved in 2022 for people living with HIV. That treatment works by suppressing viral replication, helping to manage the infection and prevent disease progression.
Clinical trials for Yeztugo demonstrated more than 99.9% effectiveness in preventing HIV transmission among both adults and adolescents — making it one of the most promising alternatives to an HIV vaccine currently available.
Public health experts believe that such advances could significantly reduce new HIV infections worldwide and play a pivotal role in reaching the goal of eliminating AIDS as a public health threat in the coming decades.
However, despite this progress, global access remains a critical issue. While Yeztugo’s simplified dosing regimen is particularly well-suited for low-resource settings, ensuring affordability and distribution in developing countries will be essential for its global impact.
Nonetheless, the approval of Yeztugo marks a major milestone and offers new hope to millions at risk of HIV — ushering in a new era of prevention with the potential to reshape the landscape of global health.
