New HIV prevention jab passes crucial trial
HIV prevention just took a huge step forward: an annual injection has passed its first major safety trial, in a landmark moment that could transform the fight to end HIV.
HIV prevention today
There are three main ways to prevent HIV:
- Condoms
- PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)
- HIV testing
This new injection relates to point number 2: PrEP.
What is PrEP?
Simply put, it medication that protects against HIV – preventing infection before exposure.
Today, this is usually taken as one pill a day.
Or sometimes, it's an injection every 8 weeks.
PrEP works by building up protection in the body, so if the virus enters your system, it can’t take hold and cause an infection.
Think of it like a seatbelt for HIV prevention – you take it regularly, and if you’re exposed to HIV, it protects you from getting it.
When taken correctly, PrEP is over 99% effective at preventing HIV from sex and about 74% effective for people who inject drugs.
Adherence to PrEP can be a challenge
Whether due to stigma, forgetfulness, or limited healthcare access, one of the challenges around PrEP as it stands is that people might not always take it as prescribed.
So a single injection that provides year-long protection could be a game-changer.
Developed by Gilead Sciences, the drug Lenacapavir has been shown to maintain effective levels in the body with just one injection per year.
This could eliminate the need for daily medication, making HIV prevention more accessible, more convenient, and more discreet.
Why this new injection matters
It could be a huge step toward reducing new HIV transmissions on a global scale.
For those in high-risk communities, where healthcare access can be inconsistent, this innovation could remove a major barrier to staying protected.
Instead of relying on daily routines or frequent medical visits, a single annual jab could offer consistent, long-term protection.
What next?
While this is an exciting breakthrough, it’s just the beginning.
The injection has passed safety trials, but it still needs to prove its effectiveness in larger Phase 3 trials, set to begin later this year.
If successful, it could become a new, widely available HIV prevention tool in the near future.
Despite today's challenges in the global fight to end HIV/AIDS, this milestone is a reminder of just how far we’ve come. Science continues to push us closer to a healthier future.
More options for HIV prevention mean more people can stay protected.
And that’s a win for everyone.
It's that simple.
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Written by Hamish Noah – an HIV Advocate and Addiction Recovery Coach from London, UK.
This article also appears in Hamish's LinkedIn newsletter it's that simple – which features tips, insights and inspiration on HIV, addiction and being human.
