The antiviral medication provided 99% protection against HIV.

Recent studies indicate that individuals living with HIV, even when receiving therapy, still face an elevated risk of chronic inflammation, leading to a range of serious health issues. Additionally, a new strain of the virus was discovered a few years ago. Given the threat this infection poses to human health, researchers are actively exploring methods to prevent it.

Experts from Emory University in the United States have successfully completed the third phase of clinical trials for a drug called “Lenacapavir,” demonstrating that its injections, administered once every six months, can protect individuals from infection in 99% of cases. The findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

During the third phase of clinical trials, researchers compared “Lenacapavir” with another medication—“Truvada” tablets, which must be taken daily for HIV prevention. Out of 2,179 participants receiving “Lenacapavir,” only two became infected (less than 1%). In contrast, nine out of 1,086 individuals taking “Truvada” were infected (17%). Notably, participants adhered more consistently to the injections than to the daily pill regimen.

“We observe that about half of the individuals who start taking an oral medication daily discontinue it for various reasons within the first year. Having an effective injectable medication that requires administration just twice a year is crucial for individuals facing challenges in accessing healthcare,” the authors of the study explained.

The study included cisgender men and transgender individuals from Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, and the United States. According to the authors, they aimed to create a sample representing diverse groups at higher risk for HIV infection. The effectiveness of “Lenacapavir” for cisgender women has been demonstrated previously.

“HIV prevention does not reach everyone who needs it, particularly those who disproportionately suffer from HIV and inequalities in healthcare access. For individuals unable to take oral tablets daily, injectable medications can indeed be incredibly effective,” the researchers concluded.

According to the scientists, the results of the clinical trials have been submitted for review to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Lenacapavir” could be approved for sale by 2025.