The European Commission approved a twice-yearly HIV prevention jab, paving the way for its rollout across the bloc.
Drugmaker Gilead announced the decision followed a positive recommendation from the European Medicines Agency.
Experts hailed the injection, called lenacapavir, as a game-changer in the global fight against HIV.
How the Treatment Works
Lenacapavir acts as pre-exposure prophylaxis by stopping HIV from replicating inside the body.
It protects both adolescents and adults from acquiring the virus.
In clinical trials, the jab proved 100 percent effective at preventing HIV transmission.
The drug, branded Yeytuo, will launch in the EU, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
It offers the first twice-yearly PrEP option, replacing the burden of daily oral medication.
Global Impact and Access
Dr. Dietmar Berger of Gilead said the quick approval highlighted Yeytuo’s transformative potential for HIV prevention in Europe.
New HIV cases in the EU and nearby countries rose by nearly 12 percent in 2023.
The U.S. FDA has also authorized the jab, while WHO endorsed it as an additional prevention tool.
Gilead seeks approval in Australia, Brazil, Canada, South Africa, Switzerland, and soon in Latin America.
The company will allow generic production in 120 lower-income countries with high HIV prevalence.
Global funding cuts, however, may limit its accessibility outside wealthier nations.
Currently, HIV affects over 40.8 million people, with 630,000 deaths from AIDS-related illnesses reported last year.
