Official announcements from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA)

Twice-Yearly Lenacapavir Injection 100% Effective in Preventing HIV Infections in Women in South Africa and Uganda

Jul 24, 2024, 05:02 PM

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has shown that twice-yearly subcutaneous injections of lenacapavir are 100% effective in preventing HIV infections among women in South Africa and Uganda. The PURPOSE 1 randomized, controlled trial found that lenacapavir outperformed the daily oral emtricitabine–tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (PrEP) regimen, which has faced issues with low adherence. There were zero infections among the young women and girls who received the lenacapavir shots, compared to a 2% infection rate for those taking daily pills. Experts have described the results as 'stunning,' highlighting the potential of lenacapavir to revolutionize HIV prevention. The trial results were so compelling that researchers decided to stop the controlled test early.