Science & discoveries / Randomised study · phase 3
Lenacapavir: what the HIV prevention study showed
How to interpret a result with zero observed infections.
Key takeaway
Zero cases in a study group does not mean guaranteed protection for every person.
What was studied
PURPOSE 1 included 5,338 adolescent girls and young women without HIV in South Africa and Uganda. Participants were randomly assigned to injectable lenacapavir every six months or one of two daily oral regimens.
What was found
No infections were observed among the 2,134 participants in the lenacapavir group. The oral groups recorded 39 and 16 cases respectively. Adherence to tablets was low, an important factor when interpreting the comparison.
What it does not prove
Injection-site reactions were common. The finding applies to the study population and period; it does not prove absolute protection. Lenacapavir is a prevention medicine, not a vaccine. Gilead funded the study.
Why it matters
The achievement highlights how the way an intervention is taken matters alongside its biological effect. This article explains the 2024 study and does not establish current availability or eligibility in Albania.
Sources
- Twice-Yearly Lenacapavir or Daily F/TAF for HIV Prevention in Cisgender Women ↗NEJM · Bekker and colleagues · Accessed 5 September 2026
An editorial explanation referring to the listed sources. General information; individual interpretation and treatment require clinical assessment.
Updated 5 September 2026. How we prepare our content