A groundbreaking HIV prevention drug, Yeztugo (lenacapavir), requiring only two injections per year, has been hailed as a game-changer in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, particularly in Kenya, where 1.4 million people are living with the virus.
Approved by the U.S. FDA on June 18, 2025, the twice-yearly injectable, developed by Gilead Sciences, demonstrated nearly 100% efficacy in preventing HIV infections in clinical trials, offering hope to reduce new infections in high-burden regions like Kenya.
The drug, a capsid inhibitor, provides a convenient alternative to daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) pills like Truvada, which face adherence challenges due to stigma and accessibility issues.
In Kenya, ranked seventh globally for HIV burden, the breakthrough could transform prevention efforts, especially for vulnerable groups such as young women, sex workers, and men who have sex with men.
Clinical trials, including the PURPOSE 1 study in South Africa and Uganda, showed zero infections among over 2,000 women receiving lenacapavir, compared to a 2% infection rate among those on daily pills.
Kenya has made strides in HIV prevention, achieving a 68% reduction in AIDS-related deaths and a significant drop in new infections from 101,448 in 2013 to 22,154 in 2022.
However, with 1.3 million new global infections annually, the country faces challenges, including a recent shortage of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs due to a U.S. aid freeze.
Experts, including UNAIDS, emphasize that lenacapavir’s rollout could help Kenya meet its target of fewer than 500,000 global infections by 2025, provided it is affordable and accessible.
Lenacapavir cost
The drug’s high cost—$40,000 annually in the U.S.—raises concerns about affordability in low-income countries.
Gilead is negotiating with generic manufacturers to lower prices, with estimates suggesting a potential drop to $40 per treatment if scaled up.
Advocates like Doctors Without Borders are urging rapid, equitable distribution to high-risk regions.
In Kenya, where stigma hinders PrEP uptake, the twice-yearly injection could reduce barriers, particularly for young women facing social pressures.
The Ministry of Health and partners like PEPFAR are prioritizing early access, with Kenya among 18 countries targeted for rollout. This innovation signals a critical step toward ending the HIV epidemic by 2030.
