South Africa: SAHPRA Approves Lenacapavir for HIV Prevention

South Africa: SAHPRA Approves Lenacapavir for HIV Prevention

[Health-e] South Africa's Health Product Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has approved the use of the twice-yearly HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir. In a statement released on 27 October, the regulatory body said the drug is recommended for adults and adolescents who weigh at least 35 kg, are HIV negative, and are at risk of getting HIV.

“Game-changer” HIV prevention drug registered in South Africa

South Africa has become the first African country to register the anti-HIV injection lenacapavir, according to what health officials are calling a “game-changer” in the fight against HIV.   The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) announced on Monday, 27 October, that it had approved the registration of lenacapavir, the groundbreaking twice-a-year anti-HIV injection.   In March 2025, Gilead, a biopharmaceutical company bas…

SA first in Africa to approve 'most effective' HIV jab

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has finally delivered a breakthrough in Lenacapavir HIV prevention, registering the revolutionary six-monthly injectable drug on Monday, 27 October 2025, making South Africa the first country on the continent to approve the “game-changing” tool. The approval, coming roughly eight months after Gilead Sciences filed its application in March 2025, was unusually fast, due in part to SAH…

New hope for HIV prevention in South Africa with lenacapavir approval

Image credit: SA NewsThe South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has announced the registration of lenacapavir, making South Africa the first country on the continent to approve the groundbreaking twice-a-year anti-HIV injection. Read more...