New WHO Guidelines on Lenacapavir Revolutionize HIV Prevention
Geneva, Monday, 25 August 2025.
The World Health Organization’s new guidelines endorse lenacapavir for HIV prevention, highlighting its six-month protection and integration with health systems to cut global transmission by 50% by 2030.
Revolutionizing HIV Prevention
The World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced groundbreaking guidelines endorsing the use of lenacapavir as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) method for HIV prevention. These guidelines, published on August 31, 2025, emphasize the extended six-month protection offered by lenacapavir, which requires biannual injections. This long-acting injectable offers a significant advancement over daily oral PrEP, simplifying access to prevention especially for high-risk populations [1][2].
Integration with Health Systems
A crucial aspect of the WHO’s guidelines is the integration of lenacapavir into existing health information systems. This integration aims to enhance accessibility and streamline monitoring of PrEP distribution, especially in resource-limited settings. The WHO anticipates that this comprehensive approach could reduce global HIV transmission rates by up to 50% by 2030 [1][2]. Such integration underscores the importance of utilizing technological systems to bolster public health strategies and track the effectiveness of new interventions.
Cost-Benefit Aspects and Accessibility
Despite the promising potential of lenacapavir, challenges remain regarding its accessibility and cost. The drug, branded as Yeztugo, has been priced at around $28,000 annually without accounting for potential discounts and rebates [4]. The high cost has led to debates on coverage among health insurers, with CVS Health declining to add it to its formulary for commercial and ACA plans as of August 20, 2025, citing these expenses as prohibitive [4]. Gilead, the manufacturer, is negotiating for broader coverage and aims to achieve 75% accessibility within six months post-launch [4].
Healthcare Implementation Success Stories
Countries such as South Africa and the Philippines, where HIV prevalence is significant, have showcased interest in implementing lenacapavir into their national HIV prevention strategies. Discussions from recent webinars indicate that these implementations could serve as case studies for success, illustrating how high-impact strategies can be adjusted to local contexts while addressing diverse population needs [1]. By training healthcare providers and initiating public health campaigns, these countries aim to raise awareness and facilitate the implementation of lenacapavir, reinforcing the importance of global health equity in combating HIV [1].