Written By: Pharmacally Medical News Desk
Gilead Sciences’ innovative HIV prevention drug Yeztugo (Lenacapavir) has been honored with the prestigious 2025 Prix Galien USA Award for Best Pharmaceutical Product, marking a significant milestone in the fight against HIV. This award, often regarded as the “Nobel Prize of biopharma,” recognizes outstanding pharmaceutical innovations that contribute to improving human health. Yeztugo selection highlights its breakthrough role as the first and only twice-yearly injectable HIV-1 capsid inhibitor for adults and adolescents at risk of HIV-1 acquisition, offering a novel and highly effective option for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
About the Prix Galien Award
The Prix Galien USA Awards, established in 2007, are among the most popular honors in the pharmaceutical field. Winners are selected by a jury composed of Nobel laureates, industry pioneers, and leading healthcare experts based on scientific innovation and potential for improving human health. The award serves to spotlight cutting-edge pharmaceutical products that push the boundaries of medical science and enhance patient care worldwide.
This latest accolade for Yeztugo highlights its transformative role in HIV prevention, positioning Gilead Sciences at the forefront of biopharmaceutical innovation dedicated to addressing one of the most pressing global health challenges.
Yeztugo Innovation and Impact
Lenacapavir, the active ingredient in Yeztugo, is a first-in-class antiretroviral developed over 17 years by Gilead’s research teams. It uniquely blocks multiple critical stages of the HIV life cycle, including nuclear entry and capsid assembly, which sets it apart from other HIV antivirals that target only a single stage. Its biannual administration regimen addresses significant adherence challenges faced by high-risk populations, providing effective HIV prevention with just two injections a year. This innovation has the potential to transform HIV prevention strategies globally, especially in underserved communities.
Clinical and Public Health Significance
The global HIV epidemic remains a tough health challenge, with approximately 1.3 million new HIV infections occurring each year worldwide. Yeztugo’s approval and recognition come at a crucial time, as new prevention modalities are essential to curb the infection rate. Clinical trials have demonstrated Yeztugo’s robust efficacy and tolerability across diverse populations. The Prix Galien USA Award not only celebrates the product’s scientific and clinical trial innovation but also underscores its potential to greatly impact public health by expanding accessible and effective prevention options.
Daniel O’Day, Chairman and CEO of Gilead Sciences, stated, “Twice-yearly Yeztugo is one of the most important breakthroughs of modern science and illustrates what’s possible when Gilead innovation, the unwavering commitment of our scientists and the intentional involvement of communities most affected by HIV around the world come together to help address unmet needs in HIV prevention. This Prix Galien Award honors not only the scientific and clinical trial innovation behind Yeztugo, but also its potential public health impact for countries and regions around the world”
Additional Accolades and Recognition
Yeztugo has garnered multiple high-profile recognitions beyond the Prix Galien Award. It was named one of TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions and was honored as the Breakthrough of the Year by the journal Science in 2024. These distinctions reflect Yeztugo’s breakthrough status and its growing importance in HIV prevention globally. Gilead continues to work towards broad insurance coverage and patient access programs to maximize the drug’s public health impact.
References
Gilead Sciences Wins Prestigious 2025 Prix Galien USA Award for Best Pharmaceutical Product With Yeztugo® (Lenacapavir), 31 Oct 2025, Gilead, https://www.gilead.com/news/news-details/2025/gilead-sciences-wins-prestigious-2025-prix-galien-usa-award-for-best-pharmaceutical-product-with-yeztugo-lenacapavir
Gilead Sciences’ Yeztugo Receives Top 2025 Prix Galien Award: A Major Milestone for HIV Prevention Innovation, 31 October 2025, Market Chameleon, https://marketchameleon.com/articles/b/2025/10/31/gilead-sciences-yeztugo-prix-galien-2025-hiv-innovation
https://www.galienfoundation.org/laureates-worldwide