Core Insights - Gilead Sciences, Inc. has received marketing authorization from the European Commission for its HIV prevention drug lenacapavir, branded as Yeytuo, which is administered twice a year [1][8] - The approval follows an accelerated review process by the European Medicines Agency, highlighting the drug's significance for public health [3][8] - Lenacapavir has shown superior efficacy in preventing HIV infections compared to daily oral Truvada, with clinical trial data supporting its effectiveness [5][10] Regulatory Approvals - Lenacapavir was also approved by the FDA in June 2025 for the same indication, branded as Yeztugo [2] - The European Commission's approval was based on positive recommendations from the CHMP and data from late-stage trials [3][4] Clinical Efficacy - In the phase III PURPOSE 1 study, lenacapavir demonstrated a 100% reduction in HIV infections among 2,134 participants [5] - The phase III PURPOSE 2 study reported only two HIV infections among 2,179 participants, indicating a 99.9% prevention rate [6] Market Position - The approval of lenacapavir strengthens Gilead's HIV portfolio, especially as its other prevention drug, Truvada, faces generic competition [10] - Gilead holds a leading market share in HIV treatments, with its flagship drug Biktarvy accounting for over 51% of the U.S. treatment market [12] Competitive Landscape - Lenacapavir is positioned as a long-acting injectable PrEP, addressing barriers associated with daily oral medications [11] - The competitive landscape includes ViiV Healthcare's Apretude, which is also a long-acting injectable approved for PrEP [13][14] Pricing and Coverage Issues - Gilead's Yeztugo has a U.S. list price exceeding $28,000 per year, and negotiations with CVS Health regarding coverage are ongoing [15]