Twice-a-Year HIV Prevention Jab Approved: A Global Game-Changer

🧾News In Brief

For the first time, people can protect themselves from HIV with just two injections a year. The long-acting preventive jab, called lenacapavir (brand name Yeztugo), has been hailed as one of the biggest breakthroughs in HIV prevention since antiretroviral therapy began.

Approved by the U.S. FDA in mid-2025 and now backed by the World Health Organization (WHO), this twice-yearly injection offers an alternative to daily pills like PrEP—making HIV prevention simpler, more discreet, and far more accessible.

🌍 Why It Matters

HIV remains one of the world’s most challenging infectious diseases, with more than 1.3 million new infections each year. While existing oral PrEP has proven effective, adherence has been a long-standing issue—many people stop taking the pill after a few months.

Lenacapavir changes that equation. Given every six months, it maintains protective drug levels in the body, reducing human error and improving real-world effectiveness.

Dr Meg Doherty of the WHO called it “a powerful new tool that could finally close the prevention gap—especially in young women, key populations, and areas with limited access to healthcare.”

💡 What You Can Do

Ask about PrEP options – If you’re at risk of HIV, speak to your doctor about whether injectable PrEP is right for you.
Stay informed – Countries like the UK are also expanding access; NICE just recommended Apretude, another long-acting PrEP injection, for use in England and Wales.
Support equitable rollout – The Global Fund has secured agreements to make lenacapavir available in low- and middle-income countries, ensuring no one is left behind.

🔍 The Bigger Picture

This approval marks a major milestone in global HIV prevention—and possibly a stepping stone toward a future vaccine. Ongoing research at MIT and Scripps aims to create a “one-shot” HIV vaccine, while the Baker Institute has launched trials in Africa to test early vaccine candidates.

Together, these innovations are reshaping how the world approaches prevention—moving from daily management to long-term protection.

💬 What’s Your Take?

Would you prefer a twice-a-year injection to a daily pill for HIV prevention?
👇 Share your views in the comments or tag @TheHealthizans to join the conversation!