Decades after HIV's discovery, the end of its epidemic seems near, largely due to advancements in treatment and prevention. New infections have significantly declined from 3.3 million in 1995 to 1.3 million in 2023. Gilead Sciences is at the forefront, specializing in HIV prevention through medications such as Descovy and the newly developed lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable that achieved 100% effectiveness in preventing infections in initial trials. If accessible, lenacapavir could potentially eliminate up to a third of HIV cases in certain regions within a decade, ushering in a new era of HIV prevention.
A twice-yearly injection to prevent the infection could change everything, putting an end to the epidemic and all the health and economic challenges that come with it.
Gilead has trumpeted plans for the rollout of lenacapavir in low- and middle-income countries.
The first study of lenacapavir to prevent HIV infections showed it to be 100% effective—the first Phase 3 HIV-prevention trial ever with zero infections.
Lenacapavir reduced new HIV infections by 96% compared to background incidence in a subsequent study involving diverse populations.
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