In an era of rapid medical advancement, one of the most groundbreaking innovations bringing new hope to humanity is the Long-Acting PrEP Injection — a preventive treatment that reduces the risk of HIV infection by more than 99%, without the need to take daily pills. In the past, people relied on daily PrEP tablets (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) to protect themselves against HIV. However, this Long-Acting PrEP Injection has completely changed the way prevention works. With just a few injections per year, individuals can stay protected for months at a time. This medical breakthrough represents a major step forward for modern healthcare — not only reducing new HIV infections but also providing a crucial tool in the global mission to end AIDS sustainably by 2030, as envisioned by the United Nations (UNAIDS).
What is a Long-Acting PrEP Injection ?
The Long-Acting PrEP Injection, also known as Injectable PrEP, is a long-acting antiretroviral innovation that prevents HIV from entering human cells. It provides strong and continuous protection without the need for daily dosing.
Currently, there are two major types of Long-Acting PrEP Injections recognized worldwide:
- Cabotegravir (Apretude®) – lasts for two months per injection
- Lenacapavir (Sunlenca®) – the latest version lasting up to six months per injection
Both are designed to replace the need for daily oral PrEP pills, as the drug is slowly released into the bloodstream, maintaining sufficient levels to prevent HIV infection effectively.
Cabotegravir: The First Long-Acting PrEP Injection That Transformed HIV Prevention
Cabotegravir, an Integrase Inhibitor, became the first FDA-approved Long-Acting PrEP Injection in late 2021 under the brand name Apretude. The treatment begins with two intramuscular injections one month apart, followed by an injection every two months to maintain consistent drug levels in the body. Clinical studies such as HPTN 083 (among men who have sex with men) and HPTN 084 (among women in Africa) demonstrated that Cabotegravir provides 66–89% higher protection than daily oral PrEP.
This success is largely because users no longer need to remember to take pills daily — one of the biggest barriers to effective HIV prevention in the past.
Lenacapavir: The New-Generation Long-Acting PrEP Injection — Only Twice a Year
In 2024, the world took another major step forward when Gilead Sciences launched Lenacapavir, a new Long-Acting PrEP Injection that provides up to six months of protection with just one dose. Lenacapavir belongs to a novel drug class called Capsid Inhibitors, which work differently from older HIV prevention drugs. It blocks the activity of the viral capsid, preventing HIV from replicating and spreading in the body.
Key advantages of Lenacapavir:
- Only two injections per year for long-term protection
- Minimal side effects, mainly mild pain at the injection site
- Ideal for individuals who value convenience and privacy, or cannot attend frequent clinic visits
Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNAIDS have hailed Lenacapavir as “a new hope for humanity”, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone innovation in achieving the goal of Ending AIDS by 2030.
Comparison Between 2-Month and 6-Month Long-Acting PrEP Injections
| Category | Cabotegravir (Apretude) | Lenacapavir (Sunlenca) |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | Integrase Inhibitor | Capsid Inhibitor |
| Injection Frequency | Every 2 months | Every 6 months |
| Administration Method | Intramuscular injection | Subcutaneous injection |
| Initiation Process | Requires an HIV test before each start | Requires HIV testing before initiation as well |
| Common Side Effects | Pain or swelling at the injection site | Mild pain under the skin |
| Approval Status | Approved by FDA and WHO | Under expanded approval for HIV prevention |
| Effectiveness | >99% | >99% (based on clinical trials) |
Long-Acting PrEP Injection: A New Hope for Ending AIDS
The arrival of Long-Acting PrEP Injections represents a strategic breakthrough in the fight against HIV. These injections can significantly reduce the number of new HIV infections worldwide—particularly among high-risk groups such as:
- LGBTQ+ youth
- People with limited access to healthcare
- People who inject drugs
- Individuals with multiple sexual partners
According to UNAIDS, there are over 1.3 million new HIV infections each year globally, and more than 50% occur among populations who struggle to maintain consistent access to daily oral PrEP. This is why the development of long-acting injectable PrEP is so critical — it helps bridge the prevention gap and ensures broader, more equitable protection for everyone.
Is the Long-Acting PrEP Injection Safe?
Both Cabotegravir and Lenacapavir have undergone large-scale clinical trials involving thousands of volunteers worldwide, showing that they are safe, effective, and well tolerated.
- Common side effects may include:
- Mild pain or tightness at the injection site
- Slight redness or swelling
- Temporary fatigue in some users
Overall, most users report that the injections are more convenient and easier to maintain compared to taking daily pills.
Who Is Suitable for the Long-Acting PrEP Injection?
The Long-Acting PrEP Injection is ideal for individuals at high risk of HIV infection or those who find it difficult to take daily medication consistently, such as:
- People who often forget to take their pills
- Those who prefer not to carry medication with them
- Individuals who experience side effects from oral PrEP
- People who value privacy and discretion in their prevention method
Before starting the injection, a doctor will conduct an HIV test to ensure the person is HIV-negative. Once confirmed, the injection can be administered on schedule, with follow-up visits as recommended by the healthcare provider.
Related Articles
- Lenacapavir PrEP Shot is Now FDA-Approved for HIV Prevention
- Starting PrEP the Right Way: A Complete Safety Guide
HIV Prevention Injection in Thailand
Thailand began offering Long-Acting PrEP Injections in select clinics and hospitals starting in 2024, particularly in pilot areas such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. These cities have several sexual health clinics participating in pilot programs in collaboration with the Department of Disease Control (DDC). The Thai government is also working toward including Long-Acting PrEP under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) scheme, so that everyone can access the medication at an affordable cost in the near future.
Beyond Medicine: Changing Social Attitudes Toward HIV Prevention
The introduction of the HIV prevention injection is not just a medical advancement — it represents a social transformation. It has encouraged people to speak more openly about sexual health, helping to break down stigma, fear, and shame long associated with HIV. Today, prevention is everyone’s responsibility — regardless of gender, sexuality, or background. The Long-Acting PrEP Injection empowers individuals to take control of their sexual health confidently, with less anxiety and more privacy.
Looking Ahead: The New Era of HIV Prevention
In the coming years, researchers predict the arrival of Long-Acting PrEP Injections that can last up to one full year, or even HIV vaccines, which are currently under clinical trials. But as of today, the existing 2-month and 6-month Long-Acting PrEP Injections already represent the most powerful tools ever developed in the global mission to end AIDS. These innovations bring the world closer than ever before to a future free from HIV transmission.
Frequently Asked Questions About Long-Acting PrEP Injection
Yes. Before the first dose and each subsequent injection, doctors will perform an HIV test to confirm that you are still HIV-negative. If a person is already infected, the injection will not work as prevention — instead, they will be switched to a treatment regimen to ensure safety and effectiveness.
If you miss your appointment by only a few days, there may still be some residual protection. However, you should not delay too long, as the drug level in your body will decrease and protection will weaken. Contact your doctor or clinic as soon as possible to schedule your next injection.
No. The injection prevents HIV only — it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, syphilis, or herpes. Using condoms alongside PrEP remains the best way to protect yourself from all STIs.
Yes. There is no evidence that the Long-Acting PrEP Injection interferes with hormonal contraceptives — whether they are oral, injectable, or implants. However, if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications, consult your healthcare provider first.
You can stop under medical supervision. However, it’s important to note that the drug remains in your system for several weeks after the last injection. During this transition, use alternative protection methods such as condoms or oral PrEP to avoid a gap in prevention coverage.
Not yet. Currently, the injection is available only in certain pilot areas such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, mostly through sexual health clinics and specialized medical centers. The government plans to expand nationwide access in the near future so that everyone in Thailand can benefit from this preventive innovation.
Conclusion: Long-Acting PrEP — A New Hope for a World Without AIDS
The Long-Acting PrEP Injection marks a major leap in modern medicine, making HIV prevention more convenient, practical, and sustainable than ever before.
It is both a life-saving innovation and a symbol of health equity, reminding us that:
“Sexual health is not a privilege for some — it’s a right for everyone.”
The Long-Acting PrEP Injection stands as the answer to a future free from AIDS, where prevention is simple, stigma-free, and accessible to all. 🌍💙
References:
- การบำบัดด้วยยา Cabotegravir–Rilpivirine แบบฉีดออกฤทธิ์
- การฉีด PrEP ดีกว่าการรักษาแบบรับประทานเพื่อป้องกัน HIV หรือไม่
- Yeztugo Lenacapavir เป็นทางเลือกแรกและตัวเดียวในการป้องกัน HIV ที่ได้รับการรับรองจาก FDA