US Approves Gilead HIV Prevention Shot

The United States has approved lenacapavir, a twice-a-year injectable drug developed by Gilead Sciences, for HIV prevention. This drug, to be sold under the brand name Yeztugo, has shown near elimination of new infections in studies, offering a more convenient alternative to daily pills. While this approval is a major step towards ending HIV transmission, its global rollout faces challenges. In the United States, concerns exist regarding access due to potential cuts to United States — Medicaid and the dismantling of HIV prevention work at the United States — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The United States — Supreme Court of the United States is also considering a case that could impact insurance coverage for PrEP. Globally, while Gilead Sciences has agreements with generic drug makers for low-cost versions in 120 poor countries, organizations like Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS express concern about the drug's affordability in middle-income nations.