The drug, which works by blocking HIV from entering and multiplying in human cells, remained in the body for at least 56 weeks, according to the phase 1 randomised controlled trial.

A clinical trial published in The Lancet suggests that a yearly injection of lenacapavir, developed by Gilead Sciences, is safe and has long-lasting effects for HIV prevention. While promising, the study's small sample size necessitates more research for broader conclusions.

Bay Area drug giant Gilead is plotting the trial of a groundbreaking, once-a-year HIV prevention drug lenacapavir.

Gilead released data showing that an HIV drug, called lenacapavir, could provide virtually complete protection against infection with just a