FOSTER CITY, Calif., July 22, 2026
Gilead Sciences announced an extensive scientific program for the 26th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2026), taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July 26–31, highlighting new advances across HIV prevention, treatment, and cure research. The company will present long-term clinical data supporting the continued effectiveness of twice-yearly lenacapavir for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), detailed Phase 3 ISLEND trial results evaluating the investigational once-weekly oral islatravir/lenacapavir regimen, and updates from its expanding HIV treatment pipeline and cure research initiatives. Alongside new clinical findings, Gilead will showcase progress in its global access strategy designed to expand availability of twice-yearly HIV prevention therapy in high-burden regions through strategic partnerships, reinforcing its long-term commitment to helping end the global HIV epidemic through scientific innovation, collaboration, and patient-centered care.
Long-Term Lenacapavir Data Reinforce HIV Prevention Benefits
New data from the 52-week open-label extension (OLE) phases of the Phase 3 PURPOSE 1 and PURPOSE 2 trials demonstrate that twice-yearly lenacapavir continues to provide high efficacy, excellent adherence, and a consistent safety profile for HIV prevention across diverse populations. More than 95% of eligible participants elected to continue or switch to lenacapavir following completion of the randomized portions of the studies. Across more than 12,000 combined person-years of follow-up, investigators observed no new HIV infections during the OLE phase of PURPOSE 1 and only one infection among participants who remained on lenacapavir in PURPOSE 2, with no infections reported among participants who switched from daily oral PrEP. Adherence remained exceptionally high, with 96% and 92% of participants in PURPOSE 1 and PURPOSE 2, respectively, receiving scheduled twice-yearly injections. Safety findings remained consistent with earlier studies, showing no new safety signals, while additional presentations will examine participant preferences, alternative injection approaches, and opportunities to improve PrEP awareness and uptake worldwide.
Phase 3 Weekly Oral HIV Treatment and Pipeline Advances
Gilead and Merck will present the full Phase 3 ISLEND-1 and ISLEND-2 trial results, evaluating the investigational once-weekly oral combination of islatravir and lenacapavir, representing one of the first potential long-acting oral HIV treatment regimens. Additional presentations include five-year pediatric data for Biktarvy, two-year real-world BICSTaR outcomes, and updated 104-week Phase 2 results evaluating lenacapavir combined with broadly neutralizing antibodies as a potential twice-yearly HIV treatment. Researchers will also share data supporting development of GS-3242, an investigational integrase inhibitor being studied alongside lenacapavir in the Pulsar Phase 2 trials. Together, these studies highlight Gilead’s strategy to develop long-acting, simplified HIV therapies that improve treatment adherence while expanding therapeutic options for people living with HIV across diverse patient populations.
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Global Access Strategy Expands HIV Prevention Worldwide
Beyond clinical research, Gilead highlighted significant progress in expanding global access to twice-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention. The company recently increased its collaboration with PEPFAR and the Global Fund, expanding its planned no-profit supply program from 2 million to up to 3 million people by 2028, with lenacapavir already available across 10 priority countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Licensed manufacturers, governments, and healthcare partners continue preparing for future generic availability to improve accessibility in regions with the greatest unmet need. Gilead is also working with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to explore regulatory and access pathways across Latin America. Complementing these initiatives, the company will host multiple scientific symposia and community-focused programs during AIDS 2026, emphasizing person-centered HIV care, collaborative prevention strategies, and continued investment in research aimed at ultimately achieving an HIV cure.
Source: Gilead Sciences press release
