Yearly HIV prevention injection shows promising results

A clinical trial has found that a yearly injection of lenacapavir for HIV prevention is safe and long-lasting. This vaccine was developed by Gilead Sciences and aims to help people at risk of HIV exposure. The injection is given into the muscle tissue. The trial involved 40 healthy participants aged 18 to 55 who did not have HIV. They received a single dose of lenacapavir, which blocks HIV from entering and multiplying in cells. The study showed that the drug remained active in the body for at least 56 weeks. Both formulations of the drug tested in the trial were found to be safe and well-tolerated. The most common side effect was mild pain at the injection site, which improved with the use of ice. After 56 weeks, levels of lenacapavir in participants were higher than those seen in earlier trials of a different injection given twice a year. These previous trials, released in July 2024, also showed that the twice-yearly version was effective and safe. The researchers believe this yearly injection could be an important option for preventing HIV. However, they noted that the small number of participants means more research is needed to confirm results in a larger, diverse group.