Note: This story originally appeared on the Technology Licensing Office’s website.

Despite decades of progress in HIV treatment, prevention remains a critical challenge. University of Utah faculty member Wes Sundquist’s research has helped address this need through a collaboration with Gilead Sciences to develop Yetzugo (lenacapavir), an HIV-preventative drug administered twice yearly.

For over a decade, Dr. Wes Sundquist, Samuel’s Professor and Co-Chair of the Department of Biochemistry, has been studying the protein structure of the HIV virus, looking for ways that mutations could potentially block viral replication in the protein. As his team began making promising discoveries, his lab entered into a collaboration with Gilead, a biopharmaceutical company, as they began drug development.

Gilead’s mission as a company is to discover, develop, and deliver innovative therapeutics for people with life-threatening diseases. With Dr. Sundquist’s work on the HIV protein structure laying the groundwork, they were able to develop lenacapavir, a drug to be administered twice a year to individuals at high risk of contracting HIV, as a preventative measure of fighting the disease.

This revolutionary therapeutic discovery was featured on TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025 list, which recognizes the world’s most important inventions of the year in categories like robotics, aerospace, AI, manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation. Lenacapavir’s placement on the list marks the second time in recent years that the University of Utah has contributed to TIME’s top inventions. In 2023, the Utah Bionic Leg, developed by university faculty member Tommaso Lenzi, was featured on the list. Both Sundquist’s and Lenzi’s work represent the U’s focus on translational research and societal impact.

Dr. Wes Sundquist was also recognized as one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People for his work on HIV proteins, as well as awarded the Global Impact Innovation Award by the University of Utah. His contributions to HIV prevention signify an incredible dedication and commitment to translational research, especially as Sundquist’s work has led to an innovative and novel discovery that could help millions of people in years to come.