Interview by BDN Comunicació with Dr. Àngel Rivero, researcher at the Fight Infections Foundation and medical director of BCN Checkpoint.
Europe has recently approved lenacapavir, an innovative drug marketed under the name Yeytuo®. This medication offers protection against HIV very similar to that of a vaccine: a single subcutaneous administration provides protection for six months, and trials have shown very high efficacy in preventing sexual transmission of HIV.
To better understand what this breakthrough means, we spoke with Àngel Rivero, researcher at the Fight Infections Foundation and medical director of BCN Checkpoint. Rivero highlights that Yeytuo® represents a new option for long-acting PrEP, especially aimed at people who struggle with daily oral PrEP —for example, due to adherence issues, forgetfulness, drug interactions, or stigma— and who could greatly benefit from a semi-annual injection.
The main advantages discussed in the interview are:
- Improved adherence: one dose every six months eliminates the need to remember a daily pill.
- High efficacy: clinical data show very strong protection in at-risk populations.
- Greater convenience and less stigma: avoids carrying daily medication and frequent visits.
The interview also emphasizes the need to ensure proper clinical follow-up: confirming the absence of HIV infection before administering injectable PrEP and maintaining regular monitoring to prevent resistance or inappropriate use.
Watch the full interview to hear Àngel Rivero’s analysis of how Yeytuo® could change HIV prevention strategies and the steps needed to ensure this option reaches people equitably who need it most.
