SA approves six-month HIV prevention injection for adults and teens
Mapaballo Borotho
- South Africa’s health regulator has approved Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking six-month injection aimed at preventing HIV-1 infection.
- The injection is designed for HIV-negative adults and adolescents at risk of contracting the virus.
- Health experts say this approval marks a major milestone in the country’s fight against HIV.
South Africa has registered a six-month injection that aims at combating and preventing HIV-1 infection in both adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kg.
This injection will only work for patients who are HIV-negative and at risk of contracting the infection.
This was confirmed by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) on Monday, 27 October 2025.
“We are pleased to announce the registration of Lenacapavir. Lenacapavir is an antiviral medicine that is recommended, in combination with safer sex practices, for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kg. An application by Gilead was submitted to SAHPRA in March 2025,” read the statement from SAHPRA.
This product, developed to prevent new HIV infections, is a six-monthly injection. There is an initiation dose of a subcutaneous injection (administered just under the skin) with tablets taken on days 1 and 2.
Health experts recommend that Lenacapavir should always be used in combination with safer sex practices, such as using condoms, to reduce the risk of contracting other sexually transmitted diseases.
“The registration of Lenacapavir is a game-changer, given the high prevalence rate of HIV in South Africa. This product is the most effective HIV prevention measure thus far,” said Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, CEO of SAHPRA.
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