The US FDA on June 18 gave its nod to Yeztugo, which can prove to be turning point in the battle against HIV but its high price and access remains a concern.

The US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) has approved lenacapavir, a twice-a-year injection, to prevent HIV infection, a mark shifted from daily pills that could also help control the spread of the epidemic.

Developed by US drugmaker Gilead Sciences. 

The drug, to be sold under the name Yeztugo, offers six months of protection with just two injections a year — redefining convenience and adherence to HIV regimen.

With 1.3 million new HIV infections globally each year, Yeztugo could accelerate epidemic control, particularly in high-burden countries.

In large-scale clinical trials, Yeztugo was 100 percent effective in preventing HIV in cisgender women and 96 percent in diverse populations — comparable or superior to existing Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) daily oral therapy such as Truvada.

Daily pill regimens often falter due to stigma, forgetfulness or access issues. 

Yeztugo’s long-acting profile addresses this gap, especially for vulnerable populations.

Source: Moneycontrol