The European Commission approved a twice-yearly injection to prevent HIV in the European Union.
Gilead confirmed the approval followed the European Medicines Agency’s recommendation last month.
The drug, lenacapavir, will be marketed as Yeytuo in the EU, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
Lenacapavir Stops Virus Spread
Lenacapavir works as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), blocking HIV replication and transmission in the body.
The injection protects adults and adolescents from acquiring HIV.
Clinical studies showed 100 per cent effectiveness, making it a major medical breakthrough in 2024.
Yeytuo eliminates the need for daily PrEP pills, offering the first twice-yearly option in Europe.
Rising Cases Push Urgency
HIV cases climbed 11.8 per cent in 2023 to over 24,700 in the EU, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
Dr. Dietmar Berger said the approval underscores Yeytuo’s urgent role in HIV prevention.
The US FDA has approved lenacapavir, and WHO recommends it as an additional preventive tool.
Gilead Expands Global Access
Gilead seeks approvals in Australia, Brazil, Canada, South Africa, Switzerland, and soon Argentina, Mexico, and Peru.
The company will provide generic versions in 120 lower-income countries with high HIV rates.
Availability may remain limited after the US cut global health funding earlier this year.
HIV Remains a Global Threat
HIV affects roughly 40.8 million people worldwide.
An estimated 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses last year.
