What is Lenacapavir?

Lenacapavir, marketed under the brand name Sunlenca, has been approved for medical use in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union. It is approved for the treatment of multidrug-resistant HIV-1 infection and is administered as a subcutaneous injection every six months. However, the use of lenacapavir for HIV prevention (PrEP) is still investigational. Clinical trials, such as PURPOSE 1 and PURPOSE 2, are ongoing in various countries, including South Africa, to evaluate its efficacy and safety as a PrEP option. These trials have shown promising results, but regulatory approval for this specific use has not yet been granted in any country. -- July 2024