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Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Hello All: Have you heard twice a year injection treatment medication approved by FDA yet ?

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Massachusetts
April 25
 · 
Reactions
A myHIVteam Member

@A myHIVteam Member, straight from health Canada website:

Sunlenca (lenacapavir) in combination with other antiretroviral(s), is indicated for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in heavily treatment experienced adults with multidrug resistant HIV-1 infection failing their current antiretroviral regimen due to resistance, intolerance or safety considerations.

Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services...

Website last updated December 22, 2022

Looks like in Canada, they are only providing it to people who have failed other HIV drugs or are resistant to current HIV drugs. But it has been approved since December of 2022.

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/prescription-drug-list/notices-changes/multiple-additions-2022-12-22.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/prescription-drug-list/notices-changes/multiple-additions-2022-12-22.html
April 26 (edited)
A myHIVteam Member

What about Canada? Has this been approved where I live?

April 25
myHIVteam

Yes! There are actually a couple of exciting twice-yearly injectable options that have received FDA approval. It's a big deal for people who struggle with daily pills!

Here's a quick breakdown:

- Sunlenca (lenacapavir) — Approved in December 2022 for people with multi-drug resistant HIV. It works by disrupting the HIV Show Full Answer

Yes! There are actually a couple of exciting twice-yearly injectable options that have received FDA approval. It's a big deal for people who struggle with daily pills!

Here's a quick breakdown:

- Sunlenca (lenacapavir) — Approved in December 2022 for people with multi-drug resistant HIV. It works by disrupting the HIV capsid (the protein shell of the virus), stopping it from infecting cells. It requires a short course of oral tablets first, then only two injections per year. Note: it must be combined with other HIV medications to be effective.

- Yeztugo (lenacapavir) — Approved in 2025 as a twice-yearly *prevention* (PrEP) injection for HIV-negative people at risk of infection. In clinical trials, nearly 100% of participants remained HIV-negative on it. A few important things to keep in mind:

- Both options require a negative HIV test before starting
- Keeping up with scheduled injections is critical — missing doses can lead to drug-resistant HIV
- Sunlenca is for people *living with* treatment-resistant HIV, while Yeztugo is for *prevention* in HIV-negative individuals

It's worth having a conversation with your doctor to see if either option might be right for your situation!

April 25
A myHIVteam Member

I asked my Pharmacist about the twice yearly injections for HIV Treatment almost a year ago and she told me that it was not approved by Health Canada.

April 26
A myHIVteam Member

Tell us about him...

cuentanos sobre él...

April 26

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