Lenacapavir: a long-acting human immunodeficiency virus prevention strategy with the potential to transform global human immunodeficiency virus control

Authors

  • Fariya Masoom Reza GMERS Medical College, Gotri, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
  • Parth Shah Shri M.P. Shah Medical College, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
  • Srijamya Autonomous State Medical College, Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, India
  • Bhagyashri Amrute International Higher School of Medicine, Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan
  • Arfat Munaf Bhore Department of Medicine, Tbilisi State Medical University, Tbilisi, Georgia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20261728

Keywords:

Lenacapavir, Global human immunodeficiency virus control, Long-acting human immunodeficiency virus prevention strategy

Abstract

Recent advancements in the prevention of HIV emphasize the need for newer strategies that can address the continuous gap in global HIV control. The incidence of HIV remains significantly high in certain populations, especially among young women, mobile communities, and individuals facing stigma-related barriers to care. While daily pre-exposure prophylaxis has been proven to be effective, limitations such as adherence to treatment and pill fatigue still pose challenges. Lenacapavir has been shown to be promising in this regard as a long-acting prevention modality that merits prompt consideration. Innovative approaches that are in line with real-world behavioral and structural challenges are an urgent requirement as the global community works to maintain the momentum of HIV elimination.

References

UNAIDS. Global HIV and AIDS Statistics-Fact Sheet. Geneva, Switzerland: Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS); 2024. Available at: https://www.unaids.org. Accessed on 22 April 2026.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About HIV: Symptoms and Stages. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services; 2024. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics. Accessed on 22 April 2026

Link JO, Rhee MS, Tse WC, Zheng J, Somoza JR, Rowe W, et al. Clinical targeting of HIV capsid protein with a long-acting small molecule. Nature. 2020;584(7822):614-8.

Markowitz M, Grossman H, Anderson PL, et al. Safety and pharmacokinetics of lenacapavir for HIV prevention: results from a phase 1 study. Lancet HIV. 2022;9(3):e120-8.

Gilead Sciences. Gilead Presents Positive Phase 3 Results of Lenacapavir for HIV Prevention (PURPOSE 1). Press release. Foster City, CA: Gilead Sciences. 2024. Available at: https://www.gilead.com. Accessed on 22 April 2026.

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Published

2026-05-29

How to Cite

Reza, F. M., Shah, P., Srijamya, Amrute, B., & Bhore, A. M. (2026). Lenacapavir: a long-acting human immunodeficiency virus prevention strategy with the potential to transform global human immunodeficiency virus control. International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 14(6), 2696–2697. https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20261728

Issue

Section

Editorial