The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new long-acting injectable drug for HIV prevention that requires just two doses per year. The medication is seen as a significant step forward in reducing new HIV infections, especially among communities with limited access to consistent healthcare.
The newly approved injection offers an alternative to the existing daily oral PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) regimen, which can be challenging for some individuals to maintain over time. Health experts say that fewer doses could lead to improved adherence and more effective protection among high-risk groups.
Public health advocates have welcomed the FDA’s decision, calling it a major advancement in HIV prevention. They believe the new option will empower more people to take proactive steps in protecting themselves without the burden of remembering daily medication.
The injectable is expected to be rolled out in phases across the U.S., with global health organizations already exploring ways to introduce it in countries with high HIV prevalence. Experts stress that while the drug is not a cure, it adds a powerful tool to the growing arsenal of HIV prevention strategies.
With this approval, the U.S. joins a small number of countries that have endorsed long-acting injectable PrEP options, marking a shift in how preventive care is delivered in the fight against HIV/AIDS.