A Once-Yearly HIV Prevention Shot Could Transform PrEP Access

For years, the prevention of HIV has largely relied on daily pills, a method that is highly effective, but not always practical for everyone. Some people forget to take their medication, struggle with stigma, or face challenges in accessing healthcare. Even the latest injectable option, which requires two shots a year, can still be a burden.

What if one shot, once a year, could provide the same protection?

That future is now within reach. Scientists at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) 2025 presented new research showing that a single yearly injection of lenacapavir (LEN) could be just as effective as current methods—potentially revolutionizing HIV prevention.

Why a Yearly Shot Could Be a Game-Changer

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) has dramatically reduced HIV transmission, but many people struggle to take a pill every day or get regular injections. A once-a-year shot could remove these barriers, making it easier for more people to stay protected.

Current PrEP injections, which are given every six months, have already been shown to work incredibly well. In a recent study of women using this method, not a single participant contracted HIV. But researchers wondered: could we go even longer between doses?

What the New Study Found

Scientists tested two different formulations of a single, high-dose injection of LEN to see if it could last for a full year. Participants received their shot, and then researchers tracked how the drug remained in their bloodstream over time.

The results were very promising:

• The drug stayed at protective levels for an entire year, meaning one shot could be enough to keep someone safe from HIV for 12 months.
• It was safe and well tolerated, with the most common side effect being mild pain at the injection site, which typically went away within a few days.
• Using an ice pack before the injection significantly reduced discomfort, making the process easier for participants.

What This Means for the Future of HIV Prevention

If this yearly injection proves successful in larger studies, it could transform how we approach HIV prevention. Instead of taking a daily pill or getting two shots a year, people could simply visit their doctor once a year for a single injection—and stay protected for the next 12 months.

For people who face stigma, struggle with healthcare access, or simply find it hard to remember to take a pill, this could be life-changing. It would also make HIV prevention efforts more effective on a global scale, especially in communities where daily medication isn’t a realistic option.

What’s Next?

The next step is a larger trial to confirm these findings in a diverse group of people at risk of HIV. If that trial goes well, this once-a-year shot could become a reality—giving millions of people an easier, more effective way to stay safe.

For now, the scientific community is excited. A future where HIV prevention is as simple as an annual doctor’s visit may soon be within reach.