FDA Approves Yeztugo: A Breakthrough Twice-Yearly Injection for HIV Prevention
The FDA's approval of Yeztugo, a twice-yearly injection for HIV prevention, marks a significant milestone amid ongoing challenges in HIV prevention efforts.
FDA Approves “Breakthrough” HIV Drug
Mother Jones
FDA Approves a Twice-Yearly Shot to Prevent HIV
TIME Magazine
FDA approves first HIV prevention injection - Washington Examiner
Washington Examiner
FDA approves the world's only twice-a-year shot to prevent HIV
Associated Press
Subscribe to unlock this story
We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $5/month, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!
Get StartedHave an account? Sign in
Overview
- The FDA has approved Yeztugo, the first twice-yearly injection for HIV prevention, which offers a convenient alternative to daily pills.
- Lenacapavir, the active ingredient in Yeztugo, can reduce HIV infection rates by 96% in high-risk populations, including men and women.
- Despite the approval, budget cuts from the Trump administration may impact HIV prevention efforts and access to treatment for patients.
- In 2022, approximately 31,800 new HIV infections were reported in the U.S., highlighting the urgent need for effective prevention methods.
- Yeztugo's high cost, with an annual list price exceeding $28,000, may hinder access for many Americans despite its potential benefits.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the FDA approval of lenacapavir as a significant advancement in HIV prevention, emphasizing its convenience and effectiveness compared to existing treatments. However, they also highlight potential barriers, such as cost and previous funding cuts, reflecting a cautious optimism about its impact on public health.
"The U.S. has approved the world’s only twice-a-year shot to prevent HIV, the first step in an anticipated global rollout that could protect millions."
Chicago Sun-Times"The FDA's decision makes lenacapavir available today in the U.S., which sees about 31,000 of the 1.3 million new HIV infections each year worldwide."
NPR"The approval of lenacapavir represents a significant advancement in the fight against HIV, although concerns remain about the impact of funding cuts on vaccine research."
CBS News"The U.S. has approved the world’s only twice-a-year shot to prevent HIV, which could protect millions."
ABC News"Lenacapavir’s six-month protection makes it the longest-lasting type, an option that could attract people wary of more frequent doctor visits or stigma from daily pills."
Associated Press"Giving people the option of a twice-a-year injectable is "a game changer, not only for the United States, but around the world," said Carl Schmid, executive director of the HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute."
USA TODAY"The hope is the medication could accelerate the stubbornly slow decline of HIV transmission in the United States."
NBC NewsArticles (11)
Center (7)
FAQ
Yeztugo is a twice-yearly injectable medication containing lenacapavir, which acts as an HIV-1 capsid inhibitor to prevent sexually acquired HIV infections in adults and adolescents.
Clinical trials demonstrated that lenacapavir reduced HIV infections by up to 96% in high-risk populations, with some studies showing a 100% reduction among trial participants receiving the drug.
The high cost of Yeztugo, with an annual list price exceeding $28,000, combined with budget cuts to HIV prevention programs from previous administrations, may hinder patient access and impact overall prevention efforts.
Yeztugo is approved for use as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in adults and adolescents at high risk of sexually acquired HIV infection, including both men and women.
Yeztugo offers a more convenient alternative to daily oral PrEP pills by requiring only two injections per year, which could improve adherence and help reduce new HIV infections.
History
- 3M9 articles
- 3M
4 articles