LONDON

The European Medicines Agency has put forward a recommendation for a biannual injectable drug intended to prevent HIV, which researchers believe could significantly reduce the virus’s transmission rates.

On Friday, the EU drug regulator announced that their assessments of lenacapavir, known as Yeytuo in Europe and produced by Gilead Sciences, indicated that the drug is “highly effective” and recognized as having “major public health interest.” If the European Commission accepts the recommendation, the authorization will be applicable across all 27 EU member states, including Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein.

Research from last year indicated that lenacapavir, which is already used in treating HIV-positive individuals, was nearly 100% effective in preventing transmission for both women and men.

Winnie Byanyima, the executive director of the U.N. AIDS agency, mentioned that this drug “could change the trajectory of the HIV epidemic” if made widely accessible.

In June, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized lenacapavir for HIV prevention. Recently, the World Health Organization also recommended that countries consider offering this medication to those at risk.

Condoms, when used correctly, can help prevent HIV, and there are other preventive medications available, like daily pills and another injectable option called cabotegravir, which is administered every two months. Lenacapavir stands out with its six-month effectiveness, possibly appealing to those hesitant about frequent health clinic visits or the stigma attached to daily medication.

However, some critics express apprehension that lenacapavir might not be distributed widely enough to effectively curtail global HIV outbreaks. Gilead has stated that it will allow affordable, generic versions to be sold in 120 low-income countries where HIV incidence is high—mostly in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean.

Nonetheless, Latin America has largely been left out, despite its rising rates of HIV. This exclusion raises concerns that an essential opportunity to combat the virus is being overlooked.

According to UNAIDS, there were approximately 630,000 AIDS-related deaths worldwide last year, and over 40 million people are believed to be living with HIV.

UNAIDS leader Byanyima previously suggested that a deal could be established between former President Donald Trump and Gilead to produce and license lenacapavir globally for the millions in need.