The European Commission approved lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injection, for HIV prevention across EU countries.
Gilead confirmed regulators cleared the drug one month after EMA’s recommendation.
The medicine will be marketed as Yeytuo in the EU, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
Lenacapavir Shows Complete Protection
Lenacapavir acts as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), preventing HIV replication and spread in the body.
It protects both adults and adolescents at risk of HIV infection.
Clinical trials reported 100% effectiveness, earning praise as a major medical breakthrough in 2024.
The jab replaces daily PrEP pills with the first twice-yearly dosing option in Europe.
HIV Cases Surge in Europe
New HIV diagnoses rose 11.8% in 2023, exceeding 24,700 cases in the EU, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
Dr. Dietmar Berger highlighted Yeytuo’s fast approval as a critical step for HIV prevention.
The US FDA approved the drug, and WHO endorsed it as an additional preventive option.
Gilead Expands Global Reach
Gilead seeks lenacapavir approval in Australia, Brazil, Canada, South Africa, and Switzerland.
The company plans to submit applications for Argentina, Mexico, and Peru soon.
Generic versions will reach 120 lower-income countries with high HIV rates, though availability may be limited after US funding cuts.
Global HIV Impact Remains High
HIV affects roughly 40.8 million people worldwide.
Last year, AIDS-related illnesses claimed an estimated 630,000 lives globally.
