FDA Approves Biannual HIV Prevention Drug Option

Even though HIV rates are going down in the United States, the fight isn’t over. More than 1.2 million people are living with the virus, and thousands of new infections still happen every year.

One of the best tools we have to prevent HIV is pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP. PrEP can lower the risk of getting HIV when taken the right way. But only about one in three people who could benefit from PrEP are using it.

Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new kind of PrEP called lenacapavir.

Lenacapavir, under the brand name Yeztugo, is a shot taken twice a year that’s intended to treat and prevent HIV/AIDS in adults and adolescents.

This new option could help people who have a hard time remembering to take a daily pill or who can’t get to a community clinic every few months.

How Well Does Yeztugo Work?

In clinical trials, Yeztugo greatly lowered the risk of HIV in people at high risk, including men who have sex with men and transgender women. It’s not yet clear if it works better than other PrEP options—like daily pills or other long-acting shots—but the twice-a-year schedule may make it easier for people to stick with.

What Should You Know Now

• Yeztugo isn’t widely available. We don’t know how much it’ll cost or if insurance will cover it.
• Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider. They can help you understand your options and decide what’s best for you.
• You don’t need to wait. You can start PrEP now with pills or other injections and switch later if and when Yeztugo becomes available.

Remember: PrEP Is Just One Part of Prevention

Using condoms, getting tested regularly, and talking openly with partners are still important ways to protect your health.

Want to learn more about HIV prevention or PrEP options near you? Talk to your provider or visit https://jacksonhealth.org/services/hiv-aids/.