A new once-a-year injection to prevent HIV has passed an important early safety trial.

Called lenacapavir, the long-acting drug blocks the virus from replicating. Unlike daily PrEP pills, lenacapavir is injected just once a year, slowly releasing into the bloodstream for continuous protection.

Trials showed the drug maintained effective levels in the body for over 56 weeks. Most side effects were mild, with temporary injection-site pain being the most common.

In the trial, 40 HIV-negative participants received a single injection, with no major safety concerns. The results have sparked excitement among HIV advocacy groups, bringing hope for a more convenient prevention option.

The research was published in The Lancet medical journal.

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