Date: December 17, 2025, 14:10 (Thailand Time)
New Injectable PrEP for HIV in 2025
In 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced a groundbreaking addition to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) options: lenacapavir (LEN), a long-acting injectable HIV capsid inhibitor. This marks a significant advancement in HIV prevention, alongside existing options like injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) and daily oral PrEP.
Key Updates:
- Lenacapavir (LEN):
- Administration: Twice-yearly injections (every 6 months).
- Efficacy: Phase 3 trials in South Africa and Uganda showed superior prevention in cisgender women compared to CAB-LA. Additional trials for cisgender men are ongoing (WHO, July 2025).
- Access: Currently limited outside clinical trials, but WHO urges immediate rollout in national programs (WHO News Release, July 2025).
- Cabotegravir (CAB-LA):
- Administration: Injections every 2 months.
- Efficacy: Proven effective for cisgender men and transgender women in HPTN 083 trial (Landovitz et al., 2021).
- Simplified Testing Approach:
- WHO recommends using rapid HIV tests for PrEP delivery, enabling community-based access through pharmacies and clinics (WHO, 2025).
Why This Matters:
- Flexibility: Fewer injections (LEN) and broader options cater to diverse populations.
- Accessibility: Community-based models reduce barriers like costly lab tests.
Important Notes:
- Allergies/Interactions: Always disclose medical history to healthcare providers.
- Availability: LEN rollout depends on government and donor support.
Next Steps:
- Discuss eligibility with your healthcare provider based on risk and preferences.
Sources:
- WHO News (July 2025), Landovitz et al. (2021, NEJM), HPTN 083 trial.