A New Way to Prevent HIV Delivers Dramatic Results in Trial

A new study shows promising results for a new HIV prevention method involving twice-yearly injections of the drug lenacapavir. Conducted by Gilead Sciences in South Africa and Uganda, the PURPOSE 1 trial involved 5,300 women. Those who received the injections had no new HIV infections, while those on daily oral PrEP medications, Truvada or Descovy, had a 2% infection rate.

 

The Data Monitoring Committee recommended offering the injections to all participants due to these significant results. This study highlights a major step forward in HIV prevention, especially for populations facing adherence challenges and stigma, potentially transforming global public health efforts against HIV. Read more from NPR here.