A Remarkable Achievement in HIV Research

SALT LAKE CITY — Imagine being listed alongside global icons like actress Kristen Wiig, former President Donald Trump, and journalist David Muir. For Wesley Sundquist, a biochemistry professor at the University of Utah, this dream became a reality when Time magazine named him one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2025.

Sundquist shares this prestigious recognition with Tomas Cihlar, a virologist from Gilead Sciences, for their groundbreaking work that led to the creation of lenacapavir, a pioneering drug for HIV treatment and prevention.

Innovative Breakthrough: Lenacapavir

Lenacapavir, which has earned accolades as the Breakthrough of the Year by the scientific journal Science, boasts an nearly 100% efficacy rate in preventing HIV infection for at-risk individuals with just two injections a year.

"I was completely surprised when I got the call," Sundquist remarked, emphasizing that this honor represents not just his efforts but the teamwork of many scientists.

A Legacy of Research on HIV

Sundquist's journey into HIV research began in the late ’90s, focusing on HIV capsids — the protein shells that safeguard the virus' genetic material. His lab's groundbreaking findings revealed that the capsid's sensitivity makes it a prime target for halting infections.

This pivotal information paved the way for partnerships with companies like Gilead Sciences, leading to the development of lenacapavir, also known by its brand name Sunleca. In contrast to traditional daily pill regimens, lenacapavir offers a long-acting solution with injections every six months.

Impact on HIV/AIDS Treatment

Sundquist's initial motivation stemmed from the urgent need to address the rising death rates from HIV/AIDS in the U.S. during his postdoctoral research in Cambridge, England. Although the mortality rates from AIDS have significantly decreased since 1994, the virus remains a pervasive issue, especially in Eastern and Southern Africa.

Gilead is actively pursuing FDA approval for lenacapavir as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Clinical trials in South Africa and Uganda have shown the drug's success in preventing HIV infection in nearly all at-risk participants. The FDA is currently reviewing the application with a target action date set for June 19.

A Team Effort in Science

While Sundquist may spend less time in the lab as his career progresses, he assures that research on the HIV capsid continues at the university. He stresses that the honor from Time, while recognizing him and Cihlar, is reflective of a larger collaborative effort.

"Science is a team sport," he asserts, highlighting the vital contributions of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the field. The achievements of Gilead in this journey cannot be overstated.