Lenacapavir
HIV capsid inhibitor for multi-drug resistant HIV-1 and PrEP
Indications
Lenacapavir is indicated for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in heavily treatment-experienced adults with multidrug-resistant HIV-1, in combination with other antiretroviral agents. It is also approved for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 infection, offering protection with just two injections per year.
Mechanism of Action
Lenacapavir is a first-in-class HIV-1 capsid inhibitor with a unique multi-stage mechanism of action. Unlike most antivirals that target a single stage of viral replication, lenacapavir inhibits HIV at multiple stages of its lifecycle: it blocks nuclear import of HIV-1 DNA, disrupts virus assembly, and interferes with capsid-mediated viral release. This multi-modal activity makes it effective against highly resistant HIV strains.
Dosage & Administration
For treatment: Oral lead-in of 600 mg on Day 1 and Day 2, then 300 mg on Day 8, followed by 927 mg subcutaneous injection on Day 15, and then every 6 months. For PrEP: 927 mg subcutaneous injection every 6 months after an oral lead-in period.