The European Commission approved a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection across member states.
Gilead confirmed the authorization follows the European Medicines Agency’s recommendation last month.
Lenacapavir, marketed as Yeytuo, will be available in the EU, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
Lenacapavir Delivers Breakthrough HIV Protection
Lenacapavir acts as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), blocking HIV replication and spread in the body.
It protects adults and adolescents from acquiring HIV.
Clinical trials showed the injection prevented all infections, earning recognition as a major medical advance in 2024.
Yeytuo offers the first twice-yearly PrEP option, replacing daily pill regimens.
HIV Infections Rise Across Europe
HIV cases increased 11.8 per cent in 2023, exceeding 24,700 in the EU, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
Dr. Dietmar Berger highlighted Yeytuo’s approval as crucial to meeting urgent prevention needs.
The US FDA also approved the drug, and WHO endorsed it as an additional prevention tool.
Lenacapavir Expansion Targets Global Markets
Gilead seeks approval in Australia, Brazil, Canada, South Africa, and Switzerland, with Argentina, Mexico, and Peru next.
The company agreed to sell generic versions in 120 lower-income countries with high HIV prevalence.
Experts warn the drug’s availability may be limited after recent US funding cuts to global health programs.
Global HIV Epidemic Remains Severe
HIV affects roughly 40.8 million people worldwide.
Last year, AIDS-related illnesses claimed about 630,000 lives globally.
