The European Commission approved a twice-yearly injection to prevent HIV across member states.
Gilead confirmed the approval follows the European Medicines Agency’s recommendation last month.
Lenacapavir, branded as Yeytuo, will launch in the EU, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
Lenacapavir Shows Full Protection
Lenacapavir acts as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), stopping HIV from replicating in the body.
The shot protects both adults and adolescents at risk of infection.
Clinical trials reported 100 per cent effectiveness, earning recognition as a key medical breakthrough of 2024.
Yeytuo eliminates the need for daily PrEP pills.
Rising Infections Push Approval
New HIV cases in 2023 rose 11.8 per cent to over 24,700 in Europe and nearby countries.
Dr. Dietmar Berger emphasized the approval demonstrates Yeytuo’s potential to meet urgent prevention needs.
The US FDA has also authorized the drug, and WHO recommends it as an additional prevention tool.
Gilead Expands Global Access
Gilead seeks approvals in Australia, Brazil, Canada, South Africa, and Switzerland, with Argentina, Mexico, and Peru next.
The company will sell generic versions in 120 lower-income countries with high HIV prevalence.
Availability may face limits after US cuts to global health funding earlier this year.
HIV Remains a Global Threat
HIV currently affects roughly 40.8 million people worldwide.
AIDS-related illnesses claimed about 630,000 lives last year.
