Gilead Sciences reported continued uptake of its twice-yearly HIV prevention injection Yeztugo during the second quarter of 2026, with the product becoming the leader in the PrEP switch market four full quarters after launch. The company also reported that more than 70% of users returned for their six-month reinjection, a persistence rate that executives said compares favorably with other available PrEP options.
The update comes as Gilead continues to expand its HIV prevention portfolio and as analysts assess how long-term adoption patterns may evolve for injectable and oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) therapies.
Yeztugo Persistence Rates and Market Position
According to commercial chief Johanna Mercier, Yeztugo is now the leading product across the PrEP switch market. The company reported that more than 70% of users have returned for their reinjection at six months.
Mercier said this persistence rate tracks above those seen with available PrEP options. A recent U.S. real-world study involving nearly 1,700 individuals reported a persistence rate of 57% over time for GSK’s bimonthly Apretude.
Gilead is also developing a weekly oral PrEP formulation based on lenacapavir, the same ingredient used in Yeztugo. The product is currently under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, with a decision expected by Feb. 2, 2027.
Explaining the rationale for the weekly oral option, Mercier said that approximately 80% to 85% of the PrEP market currently consists of daily oral medications, describing that segment as a significant opportunity for a weekly alternative.
Analysts Examine Future Growth Factors
While analysts at Leerink noted the positive launch momentum for Yeztugo, they also identified several uncertainties related to its future growth.
The analysts interpreted Mercier’s comments regarding the large oral PrEP market as an indication that a substantial portion of users may continue to prefer oral treatments. They also questioned whether the reinjection rate above 70% can be maintained over longer periods and among future adopters.
Leerink additionally noted that roughly 40% of PrEP users remain on first-generation generic Truvada or on medications provided free under a federal mandate, which the firm said leaves room for growth across Gilead’s branded prevention products.
The firm also cited survey findings suggesting that efforts to increase PrEP use in communities with high HIV incidence but lower uptake may face challenges because those populations could have shorter persistence rates than groups with higher awareness and existing use of PrEP.
Reminder Programs and Broader Market Outlook
Mercier said Gilead is using existing healthcare systems, including electronic health records, to implement reminder programs designed to support reinjection scheduling and follow-up.
“I think they’re all going to be very positive to continue to support our persistency rates,” Mercier said.
Gilead management told Leerink that it expects double-digit expansion of the overall PrEP category into the next decade, although the pace of future market growth remains a subject of debate among analysts.
Not all analysts share Leerink’s concerns. Jefferies increased its estimate for Yeztugo’s peak sales to $9.5 billion from a previous forecast of $8.9 billion. During the same period, Wall Street’s consensus projection declined from $7.7 billion to $6.7 billion.
The company’s HIV prevention business exceeded $1 billion in quarterly sales for the first time during the second quarter of 2026. PrEP revenue reached $1.03 billion, more than doubling from a year earlier. Descovy generated $801 million in PrEP sales, up 60% year over year, while Yeztugo recorded $232 million in sales, exceeding analysts’ consensus estimate by $17 million. Gilead maintained its full-year Yeztugo sales forecast at approximately $1 billion.
Supported by stronger-than-expected performance across its HIV franchise, Gilead reported total second-quarter revenue of $7.6 billion, 3% above consensus expectations.
Yeztugo Use Shows Growing Momentum
Yeztugo is gaining attention in the HIV prevention market as growing use prompts analysts to examine how the long-acting PrEP option could influence prevention strategies. The increasing interest in Yeztugo highlights the potential demand for alternatives that may help address adherence challenges associated with daily oral PrEP.
As healthcare providers and patients become more familiar with Yeztugo, questions around accessibility, affordability, patient preferences, and long-term persistence are becoming increasingly important.
Why Yeztugo Could Change PrEP Adoption
One of the key advantages associated with Yeztugo is its long-acting approach to HIV prevention. Traditional oral PrEP requires consistent adherence, which can be challenging for some individuals. Yeztugo could offer another option for people who prefer less frequent dosing.
