Lenacapavir Injection: New WHO HIV Prevention Guidelines
WHO Expands HIV Prevention and Treatment Toolkit with New Recommendations
Geneva, Switzerland – The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced notable updates to it’s HIV guidelines, introducing new prevention and treatment options and emphasizing integrated care to accelerate progress in ending the HIV epidemic. These recommendations, unveiled at IAS 2025, aim to provide more effective, equitable, and resilient HIV responses globally.
A key development is the inclusion of Lenacapavir (LEN), a first-in-class, long-acting injectable HIV prevention medication, into WHO’s recommended prep options. LEN joins existing WHO-recommended PrEP tools, including daily oral PrEP, injectable cabotegravir, and the dapivirine vaginal ring, broadening the arsenal of HIV prevention strategies. While access to LEN outside of clinical trials is currently limited, WHO is urging governments, donors, and global health partners to prioritize its immediate rollout within national HIV prevention programs.This rollout should be accompanied by the collection of essential data on uptake, adherence, and real-world impact.
“We have the tools and the knowledge to end AIDS as a public health problem,” stated Dr. Meg Doherty, Director of WHO’s Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes. “What we need now is bold implementation of these recommendations, grounded in equity and powered by communities.”
In a significant update to treatment guidelines, WHO now clearly recommends the use of long-acting injectable cabotegravir and rilpivirine (CAB/RPV) as an alternative switching option for antiretroviral therapy (ART). This proposal is for adults and adolescents who have achieved full viral suppression on oral ART and do not have active hepatitis B infection.This approach is designed to support individuals living with HIV who face adherence challenges with daily oral regimens.Further enhancing the comprehensiveness of HIV care, updated guidelines promote the integration of HIV services with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes, as well as mental health care for depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorders. These integrated services will also include interventions to support ART adherence. New guidelines on the management of asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections (STIs) now reccommend screening for gonorrhea and/or chlamydia in key and priority populations.
For individuals living with HIV who also have mpox, and who are either ART-naive or have experienced prolonged ART interruption, rapid initiation of ART is strongly advised. Additionally, early HIV testing is recommended for individuals presenting with suspected or confirmed mpox infection. WHO’s standard operating procedures also reinforce the importance of HIV and syphilis testing for all individuals with suspected or confirmed mpox.Addressing the broader challenges facing HIV programs, particularly in a changing funding landscape, WHO has released new operational guidance. This guidance offers a stepwise framework to assist countries in prioritizing services, assessing risks, monitoring disruptions, and adapting systems to protect health outcomes and preserve progress.Despite advancements, HIV remains a critical global health issue. By the end of 2024, an estimated 40.8 million people were living with HIV, with approximately 65% residing in the WHO African Region. In 2024, an estimated 630,000 people died from HIV-related causes globally, and an estimated 1.3 million people acquired HIV, including 120,000 children.While access to ART continues to expand, with 31.6 million people receiving treatment in 2024, the need for sustained and innovative approaches is paramount.
WHO’s new and updated guidelines provide practical, evidence-based strategies to maintain momentum in the fight against HIV. By expanding prevention and treatment options, simplifying service delivery, and promoting integration with broader health services, these recommendations support more efficient, equitable, and resilient HIV responses.The organization emphasizes that now is the critical moment for bold implementation to ensure these advancements translate into tangible real-world impact.
Source:* The World Health Organization