Uganda has taken a significant step forward in HIV prevention following the approval of Lenacapavir by the National Drug Authority (NDA), introducing a twice-yearly injectable option for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
The NDA announced that the long-acting drug, produced by U.S.-based pharmaceutical firm Gilead Sciences, represents a major advancement in the country’s efforts to curb new HIV infections, particularly among populations at elevated risk.
In a statement, the Authority hailed the decision as a transformative development in HIV prevention. “The approval of Lenacapavir, a PrEP injection administered once every six months, is a major milestone. This innovation significantly enhances prevention options and brings Uganda closer to the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030,” the NDA noted.
Lenacapavir stands apart from existing PrEP methods that require daily oral dosing. Its six-month dosing schedule makes it the longest-acting HIV prevention medicine approved so far, offering a practical alternative for individuals who find it difficult to adhere to daily pills.
Clinical studies indicate that Lenacapavir provides exceptionally high protection against HIV when used as recommended. The drug is especially beneficial for young people, highly mobile individuals, and key populations who often face challenges related to adherence, stigma, or inconsistent access to healthcare services.
The medication belongs to a novel group of antiretroviral drugs known as capsid inhibitors. By attacking the HIV capsid—the protective shell surrounding the virus’s genetic material—Lenacapavir interferes with several stages of the virus’s replication process, stopping infection before it can take hold.
Its long-lasting presence in the body allows for sustained protection with just two injections a year, reducing the burden of frequent medication and clinic visits.
Health authorities believe the introduction of Lenacapavir will reinforce Uganda’s national HIV prevention framework by addressing long-standing obstacles such as missed doses and treatment-related stigma. The NDA emphasized that innovative tools like this injectable PrEP will be central to achieving national and global targets aimed at ending AIDS by 2030.
