By San José, Costa Rica — The European Union has authorized the use of lenacapavir, a revolutionary injection offering near-100% protection against HIV with just two doses per year. Marketed under the brand name Yeytuo, this Gilead-developed drug represents a monumental leap forward in HIV prevention. This approval grants access to the medication across all 27 EU member states, as well as Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
The decision follows compelling clinical trial results demonstrating the drug’s remarkable efficacy, positioning it as a crucial public health tool. With approximately 25,000 new HIV diagnoses annually in Europe, current preventative measures clearly fall short. Lenacapavir promises to bridge this gap.
To provide legal context on the advancements and challenges in HIV prevention, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica, specializing in health law.
Effective HIV prevention strategies require a multifaceted approach that considers not only medical advancements like PrEP and PEP, but also the legal frameworks that protect individuals’ rights to access these preventative measures. This includes addressing potential discrimination, ensuring affordable access, and promoting comprehensive sexual education that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas expertly highlights the crucial intersection of medical advancements and legal frameworks in effective HIV prevention. Truly, access to preventative measures like PrEP and PEP becomes meaningless without the legal protections that ensure equitable access and combat discrimination. Comprehensive sexual education further empowers individuals to utilize these tools effectively. Thank you, Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, for offering this valuable and insightful perspective.
The six-month regimen and its high efficacy could be the transformative option we’ve been waiting for in Europe.
Jean-Michel Molina, Infectious Disease Specialist
While the pricing details are yet to be finalized, experts hail Yeytuo as a beacon of hope for millions. Its potential impact resonates particularly strongly for vulnerable populations. Dr. Linda-Gail Bekker, a key figure in the project, highlighted the injection’s significance for young people and women facing barriers to traditional prevention methods.
For those who cannot easily access pills or face stigma and violence, a twice-yearly injection can be the key to staying HIV-free.
Dr. Linda-Gail Bekker, Project Advocate
Gilead’s commitment to global access is further underscored by a partnership with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. This collaborative effort aims to provide lenacapavir to two million individuals in low-income countries over the next three years. This proactive approach demonstrates a dedication to equitable healthcare access, particularly in regions disproportionately affected by HIV.
Lenacapavir’s groundbreaking potential was recognized in 2024 when Science magazine named it the “Breakthrough of the Year” following its presentation at the International AIDS Conference in Munich. Although not technically a vaccine, the World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledged its vaccine-like mechanism of action in providing sustained protection against the virus.
This European approval marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight against HIV, a virus that has tragically claimed over 40 million lives globally. Lenacapavir offers a renewed sense of optimism and a tangible path towards a future where HIV prevention is more accessible and effective than ever before.
This approval represents a significant stride towards eradicating HIV and improving the lives of millions worldwide. The accessibility and efficacy of this new preventative measure hold immense promise in changing the trajectory of the global HIV epidemic.
For further information, visit gilead.com
About Gilead:
Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a research-based biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and commercializes innovative medicines in areas of unmet medical need. The company strives to transform and simplify care for people with life-threatening illnesses around the world. Gilead has operations in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California. Gilead is committed to advancing innovative treatments for HIV, including preventative measures like Lenacapavir.
For further information, please consult the World Health Organization.
About World Health Organization (WHO):
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The WHO plays a crucial role in setting international health standards, coordinating responses to global health emergencies, and promoting health and well-being worldwide. The organization is committed to tackling global health challenges, including the fight against HIV/AIDS.
For further information, please consult The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
About The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria:
The Global Fund is a partnership designed to accelerate the end of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria as epidemics. As an international organization, the Global Fund mobilizes and invests more than US$4 billion a year to support programs run by local experts in more than 100 countries. In partnership with governments, civil society, technical agencies, the private sector and people affected by the diseases, the Global Fund works to fight these infectious diseases.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself as a pillar of legal excellence, upholding the highest standards of integrity in every endeavor. The firm’s innovative approach to legal practice, combined with a deep commitment to empowering Costa Rican society through accessible legal education, sets it apart. By fostering understanding and providing resources, Bufete de Costa Rica actively cultivates a more informed and empowered citizenry, strengthening the foundations of a just and equitable society.
