Breakthrough in HIV Prevention: US Approves Twice-Yearly Shot
In a significant milestone in the fight against HIV, the US has approved a groundbreaking twice-yearly shot to prevent the disease, marking a crucial step towards a global rollout that could protect millions of people worldwide. The drug, called lenacapavir, has been shown to nearly eliminate new infections in high-risk individuals, outperforming daily preventive pills that can be easily forgotten.
The approval of lenacapavir, which will be sold under the brand name Yeztugo, is a major breakthrough in the prevention of HIV transmission. The shot, administered twice a year, provides six-month protection, making it the longest-lasting type of preventive medication available. This could be a game-changer for individuals who struggle with daily pill regimens or face stigma associated with HIV prevention.
Ian Haddock, a participant in the lenacapavir study, attests to the convenience and effectiveness of the shot. "I just got tired of taking pills," he says. "It was a preventative measure, and pills were just uncomfortable to remind myself based on my schedule. This opportunity to take an injection just made more sense for me." Haddock, who leads the Normal Anomaly Initiative, a nonprofit serving Black LGBTQ+ communities, has continued with the twice-yearly shots as part of the research follow-up.
The approval of lenacapavir is based on two rigorous studies, one conducted in South Africa and Uganda, which compared the shot to daily pills in over 5,300 sexually active young women and teen girls. The results were stunning: no HIV infections were reported in the group receiving the shot, while about 2% of the comparison group contracted HIV from infected sex partners. A second study found similar effectiveness in gay men and gender-nonconforming individuals in the US and other countries hard-hit by HIV.
While the approval of lenacapavir is a significant step forward, concerns remain about access and affordability. Gilead Sciences, the manufacturer, has not announced the price of the drug, which could be a barrier to widespread adoption. Additionally, the shot only prevents HIV transmission and does not protect against other sexually transmitted diseases.
The HIV pandemic, which has claimed millions of lives worldwide, is far from over. Global efforts to end the pandemic by 2030 have stalled, with over 30,000 new infections reported in the US each year and about 1.3 million worldwide. Women, who account for half of new infections, often need protection that can be used discreetly, without a partner’s knowledge or consent.
The approval of lenacapavir offers new hope in the fight against HIV, but it is crucial that access and affordability are prioritized to ensure that this life-saving medication reaches those who need it most. As the global rollout of lenacapavir begins, it is essential that we continue to push for innovative solutions, increased access, and reduced stigma to finally bring an end to the HIV pandemic.
