The development of a promising new injectable drug, the lencapavirwhich prevents infection by HIV virus characterized by the Science magazine as “achievement of the year» for 2024.

Despite decades of progress, HIV still infects more than a million people annually. The new drug offers hope by providing 6 months of protection after each injection.

Clinical trials have demonstrated the drug’s remarkable effectiveness, providing 100% protection in adolescent girls and women in Africa and 99.9% in heterosexual groups on all continents.

The success of this drug is due to pioneering research on the HIV capsid protein, which protects the genetic material of the virus. By making this protein rigid, the drug blocks key stages of virus replication. It is noted that this mechanism could inspire treatments for other viral diseases as well.

However, while the drug’s regulatory approval is expected by 2025, it is emphasized that its global success depends on affordability, its manufacturing agreements and strong health infrastructure.