WHO Endorses Lenacapavir for HIV Prevention

2025-07-15 prevention

Geneva, Tuesday, 15 July 2025.
The WHO recommends lenacapavir, a biannual HIV prevention shot, heralding a shift in global strategy. Efforts emphasize prompt integration into national plans to curb new infections.

Innovative Approaches in HIV Prevention

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the integration of lenacapavir into global HIV prevention strategies, marking a new chapter in the fight against HIV. Lenacapavir (LEN) is a long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option, offering twice-yearly doses proven to significantly reduce the risk of HIV acquisition [1][2]. This recommendation comes at a crucial time, as 1.3 million new HIV infections occurred globally in 2024, particularly affecting key vulnerable populations such as sex workers and men who have sex with men [2].

Population Health and Accessibility

Efforts to include lenacapavir in national HIV prevention programs focus on populations at the highest risk and regions with significant HIV burdens. WHO’s guidelines also stress the importance of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) to streamline access and ensure that testing does not obstruct the availability of PrEP [1][3]. The global community is urged to rapidly adopt these strategies to combat HIV effectively, with support from drug pricing and distribution initiatives like Gilead Sciences’ partnership with the Global Fund, which aims to supply lenacapavir to 2 million people in low-income regions at no profit [2][5].

Cost-Benefit Analysis and Implementation

Despite its potential, challenges in funding and access pose risks to the implementation of lenacapavir broadly. Gilead Sciences has set the U.S. annual list price for lenacapavir at $28,218, but has committed to providing the drug at no profit in developing regions, to aid up to 2 million individuals [5][6]. However, criticisms from organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières highlight the disparity between high-income and low-income countries, emphasizing that widespread access hinges on overcoming patent restrictions and funding deficits [7].

Success Stories and Future Directions

Success in integrating lenacapavir into prevention strategies depends heavily on collaboration between governments, international organizations, and civil society. Notably, programs in countries like Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe have begun implementing lenacapavir as part of broader PrEP offerings, albeit with the ongoing challenge of adapting to fluctuating funding [7][8]. As these initiatives scale up, they offer a blueprint for expansive HIV prevention efforts worldwide. Future strategies must focus on expanding access rapidly and equitably to achieve the ultimate goal of drastically reducing new HIV infections and moving closer to an HIV-free world.

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hiv prevention lenacapavir