A groundbreaking HIV medication has been developed, disrupting the viral capsid protein shell that protects the genetic material of the virus. This first-in-class treatment is administered only twice a year and offers significant advantages over existing treatments. The therapy, known as lenacapavir, can not only treat HIV but also prevent infection in its tracks.
Lenacapavir has been awarded the 2025 Warren Alpert Foundation Prize, recognizing its potential to accelerate the end of the global HIV epidemic. The prize is shared among three scientists: Tomas Cihlar, John O. Link, and Wesley Sundquist, who played crucial roles in developing the treatment.
The $500,000 award is given by the Warren Alpert Foundation in recognition of work that has improved our understanding, prevention, treatment, or cure of human diseases. The prize is administered by Harvard Medical School and will be formally recognized at a scientific symposium on October 30.
According to George Q. Daley, dean of Harvard Medical School and chair of the Warren Alpert Foundation Prize advisory board, lenacapavir represents “a powerful example of how basic research can lead to life-changing treatments.” The award marks a major step toward ending the decades-long HIV epidemic.
Source: https://hms.harvard.edu/news/2025-warren-alpert-prize-honors-scientists-whose-discoveries-culminated-novel-hiv-treatment