FDA approves first twice-yearly injection that prevents HIV infection

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new, twice-yearly shot — the first and only of its kind — to prevent HIV, the creator of the drug, Gilead Sciences, announced on Wednesday.

Sold under the name Yeztugo, the company’s injectable HIV-1 capsid inhibitor (lenacapavir) reduces the risk of sexually acquired HIV in adults and adolescents.

"This is a historic day in the decades-long fight against HIV," said Daniel O’Day, chairman and CEO of California-based Gilead Sciences, in a press release.