Gilead Sciences reported positive results from its Phase 2 PURPOSE 5 trial of lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention (PrEP). The trial found significantly higher rates of consistent and continuous use with lenacapavir than with the standard daily oral pill.
Over 52 weeks, 85.6% of participants receiving lenacapavir maintained consistent use. The rate was 46.3% among participants taking daily oral F/TDF. No participants in the lenacapavir group acquired HIV during the study.
The results point to the potential of a long-acting option to address adherence challenges associated with daily medication. PURPOSE 5 is the first randomized trial designed specifically to compare persistence rates between a long-acting injectable and daily oral PrEP among people new to HIV prevention medication. The data will be presented at the HIV Glasgow 2026 conference.