The European Commission approved a twice-yearly HIV injection, allowing rollout across the European Union.
Gilead confirmed the decision followed a European Medicines Agency recommendation last month.
The medicine, called lenacapavir, represents a first-of-its-kind approach to HIV prevention.
Lenacapavir Offers Effective Protection
Lenacapavir works as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), stopping the virus from replicating and spreading.
It reduces HIV risk in adults and adolescents.
Clinical trials showed the jab prevented HIV 100 per cent of the time.
Experts hailed it as one of the biggest medical breakthroughs of 2024.
Gilead will sell the injection as Yeytuo in the EU, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
The jab eliminates the need for daily PrEP pills, offering the first twice-yearly option.
Dr. Dietmar Berger called the Commission’s quick approval “transformative” for HIV prevention in Europe.
Rising Cases Drive Urgent Need
HIV cases rose across Europe, with over 24,700 new diagnoses in 2023, up 11.8 per cent from 2022.
The FDA already approved lenacapavir in the United States.
WHO recommended the jab as an additional HIV prevention option.
Gilead Expands Global Access
Gilead seeks approvals in Australia, Brazil, Canada, South Africa, and Switzerland.
The company plans to add Argentina, Mexico, and Peru to the list soon.
Gilead will sell generic versions in 120 lower-income countries with high HIV rates.
Availability may remain limited after the US cut global health funding this year.
HIV’s Global Impact
HIV affects roughly 40.8 million people worldwide.
About 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses last year.
