Lenacapavir, sold under the brand name Sunlenca, is an antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV/AIDS.
It works by binding directly to the interface between HIV-1 viral capsid protein (p24) subunits in capsid hexamers.
It interferes with essential steps of viral replication, including capsid-mediated nuclear uptake of HIV-1 proviral DNA, virus assembly and release, production of capsid protein subunits, and capsid core formation.
It is taken by mouth or by subcutaneous injection.
Pregnancy category AU: B1
Routes of administration -By mouth, subcutaneous
Drug class-Capsid inhibitors
The most common side effects include reactions at the injection site and nausea.
Lenacapavir, in combination with other antiretrovirals, is indicated for the treatment of HIV/AIDS.
It is used in heavily treatment-experienced adults with multiple drug resistance in whom current antiretroviral therapy is ineffective due to resistance, intolerance or safety considerations.
Effective in preventing HIV in African women.
It is investigated as a treatment for HIV patients infected with multidrug-resistant virus and as a twice-yearly injectable for pre-exposure prophylaxis.
These participants had to have high levels of virus in their blood despite being on antiretroviral drugs.
Participants were enrolled into one of two study groups.
It is intended for the treatment of adults with multidrug‑resistant human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‑1) infection.