The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new long-acting HIV prevention drug, marking a major milestone in the global fight to end the AIDS epidemic.
The drug, called Yeztugo, is an antiviral injection developed by Gilead Sciences that only needs to be administered twice a year.
This innovative injectable creates a subcutaneous reservoir—usually in the abdominal area—that slowly releases the active compound, providing long-term protection against HIV infection.
While Yeztugo does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections, it is seen as a significant advancement in long-term HIV prevention strategies.
Despite FDA approval, the wider rollout of Yeztugo may face challenges. Potential budget cuts to federal HIV/AIDS prevention programs—proposed by Donald Trump’s administration—could limit access. Additionally, Gilead has yet to disclose the price of the drug, raising concerns about availability for high-risk populations.
According to WHO data, AIDS caused 1.3 million new infections and 630,000 deaths globally in 2023. In the United States alone, around 700 new HIV cases and 100 related deaths are reported every week.
“Yeztugo is a game-changing tool that could significantly impact these numbers,” said Gilead CEO Daniel O’Day, calling the FDA’s approval a “crucial step toward a world without HIV/AIDS.”
