Yeztugo, a brand-name form of Lenacapavir, is a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a form of medication used to reduce the risk of contracting HIV. In June 2025, it received FDA approval and is approximately 99.9% effective. It works by binding to capsid protein subunit interfaces and blocks vital components of the virus’ life cycle, including nuclear import of proviral DNA. Unlike Truvada, a popular form of PrEP, it only requires one injection every six months, compared to a daily pill, allowing for greater peace of mind and a reduced chance of missing a dose. This extended time would especially be useful for people who would have difficulty accessing healthcare consistently or those with inconsistent work schedules.
In the red-light district in Mbarara, a city in western Uganda, sex-based tourism is common, with the rate of teenage prostitutes increasing. This has resulted in the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including but not limited to HIV. The issue is complicated by economic or social situations that make it difficult for people to protect themselves. Some people in sex work have less access to healthcare or education on how to protect themselves against STIs. These barriers can result in STIs spreading more rapidly and over a wide region. It would be expected that Lenacapavir would be widely available, but production cannot keep up with the demand. Doses arrive in sporadic numbers, which can be enough for 40 to 70 people at a time. Healthcare workers acknowledge the importance of this medication, but they are unable to assist people due to this limited supply. Though other forms of PrEP are widely available, they are either not as effective or not as long lasting.
To combat this, the FDA approved a generic version, available in a larger quantity at a lower price at only $40 annually compared to the U.S. list price of $28,218 of the name brand. This difference in price is especially important in low-income countries where the healthcare systems may be unable to afford name-brand medication for a large number of people. It came only 16 months after the name-brand medication received approval. The hope is to have three million people using it by the end of 2028.
It is estimated this medication has the potential to bring an end to the global HIV pandemic. This remains to be seen as funding is still necessary to make it more accessible for those in need. The medication itself, however, proves to be a great milestone.
