HIV drug could offer yearlong protection with a single shot

A new formulation of Gilead’s HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir, has shown promise in providing yearlong protection with just one injection. 

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The study, published in The Lancet, evaluated the pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of two intramuscular formations of lenacapavir in participants ages 18-55 without HIV. 

Results showed that a single 5,000-milligram intramuscular dose maintained drug concentrations above levels associated with efficacy in previous phase 3 trials for at least 56 weeks. 

Compared to the currently studied biannual subcutaneous version, the annual formulation achieved higher plasma concentrations, suggesting potential for long-lasting HIV prevention.

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