WHO Endorses Injectable Lenacapavir for HIV Prevention in Landmark Breakthrough

Strategic Insights -

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has made a significant endorsement for the use of injectable lenacapavir, administered twice yearly, to provide near-total protection against HIV infection. This breakthrough was announced during the 13th International AIDS Society (IAS 2025) Conference on HIV Science in Kigali, Rwanda, where the new WHO guidelines were unveiled. The injectable antiretroviral offers an effective, long-acting alternative to daily oral pills, particularly beneficial for populations facing barriers to daily treatment adherence or stigma.

Key Takeaways:

  • WHO has endorsed the use of injectable lenacapavir (LEN), administered twice yearly, for HIV prevention, providing near-total protection against the virus.
  • The injectable antiretroviral offers a long-acting alternative to daily oral pills, particularly beneficial for populations facing barriers to daily treatment adherence or stigma, such as sex workers, people who inject drugs, transgender persons, and incarcerated populations.
  • WHO emphasizes the need for real-world data on uptake, adherence, and effectiveness of the injectable, as well as HIV and syphilis testing for individuals with confirmed or suspected mpox (monkeypox) infections.
  • An estimated 40.8 million people are living with HIV globally, with 65% residing in Africa, highlighting the urgent need for effective HIV prevention measures.
  • WHO's recommendation comes at a critical time as global HIV prevention efforts show signs of stagnation, with 1.3 million new infections recorded in 2024 alone.

Statistics:

  • 40.8 million people are living with HIV globally. (Source: WHO)
  • 65% of people living with HIV reside in Africa. (Source: WHO)
  • 1.3 million new HIV infections were recorded in 2024 alone, highlighting the stagnation of global HIV prevention efforts. (Source: WHO)

Sources:

  • World Health Organisation (WHO)
  • 13th International AIDS Society (IAS 2025) Conference on HIV Science in Kigali, Rwanda.