Aliveness Project Becomes First in Minnesota to Offer 6-Month HIV Prevention Injection
Aliveness Project is proud to announce that we are the first organization in Minnesota to offer YEZTUGO (Lenacapavir), a newly approved, long-acting injectable for HIV prevention. This exciting milestone reflects our commitment to accessible, innovative care that centers the needs of the community.
“This is a huge step forward,” said Matt Hartle, Clinical Services Director at Aliveness. “For people who struggle with taking daily pills or getting to the clinic every few months, being covered for six full months at a time is a game changer. It offers more coverage with less hassle and that makes prevention more realistic for a lot more people.”
YEZTUGO, recently approved and developed by Gilead, works by providing PrEP protection through two injections given at the same visit and then no additional doses are needed for six months. Early studies suggest the medication may become effective within 2 to 24 hours after administration.
“We’ve worked closely with Gilead and were in contact with their reps the day YEZTUGO was approved,” said Hartle. “Because we already had systems in place through our use of Apretude, another injectable HIV prevention option, we were ready to roll this out immediately. Having a strong relationship with our partners and in-house pharmacy helped us navigate the insurance and access hurdles quickly.”
Matt Hartle, Clinical Services Director and Ryan Bortz, Pharmacy Manager
Why Aliveness?
Unlike larger institutions, Aliveness Project has the ability to move nimbly and center care around individuals, not red tape. “We’re not corporate. We’re community-based. Our healthcare team actually reflects the communities we serve,”. “People feel safe here. They open up. And we offer more than just a prescription, we offer support across housing, medical care, and community.”
YEZTUGO may be the right fit for anyone considering PrEP, but especially those who want a simplified, discreet method. “We’ll review your current meds, help you assess if there are any drug interactions, and get you started,” said Harlte. “If you’re already on oral PrEP, you’ll stop that the day of your injection and you’re good to go for the next 26 weeks.”
Addressing Barriers and Looking Forward
While the rollout is still new, barriers do exist, particularly around insurance. “Navigating coverage is the hardest part. We’ve seen strong support from insurers like HealthPartners and UnitedHealthcare. Others are still finalizing their processes, which can create delays, but we’re hopeful those wrinkles will smooth out soon.”,” said Hartle. “We’re working on this, including patient assistance programs with Gilead for those who are uninsured.”
Aliveness Project believes this milestone marks a shift in the future of HIV prevention. “We’re hoping the success of Apretude and now YEZTUGO will pressure insurers to come onboard. It’s frustrating that the people most at risk often face the most barriers,”
As for the future?
“My motto has always been: go big or go home,” said Hartle. “We see Aliveness becoming a full-service primary care home for HIV prevention and treatment. This is just the beginning.”
Interested in YEZTUGO or Other PrEP Options?
If you’re interested in learning whether YEZTUGO or other HIV prevention options are right for you, the Thrive Clinic at the Aliveness Project is here to help.
Clinic hours:
Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:30PM
Location:
3808 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55409
Contact:
(612) 369-7494
