Mexico approves twice-yearly injections to prevent HIV

Mexico has approved lenacapavir, an HIV-prevention medicine given by injection under the skin every six months. The decision authorizes a long-acting option for people who do not have HIV but are at risk of acquiring it.

The regulator, Cofepris, granted approval after reviewing evidence on quality, safety and effectiveness. In one major trial, no new HIV infections were recorded among 2,134 women receiving lenacapavir during the main study period. A second trial, which included participants in Mexico, recorded two infections among 2,183 people receiving the drug. Those findings show strong protection under trial conditions, not a guarantee that every infection can be prevented.

The approach could make prevention easier for people who struggle to take daily tablets or face barriers such as stigma and difficulty accessing health services regularly. The World Health Organization recommended twice-yearly lenacapavir as an additional prevention option in July 2025.

Medical follow-up remains essential, including HIV testing before starting the medicine and before subsequent injections. Lenacapavir does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections.

Approval is an important step toward access, but the September 24 announcement did not specify a launch date or price in Mexico. It also does not automatically mean free distribution through public health services.