A recent study published in The Lancet medical journal has revealed promising results from an early safety trial of an annual injection aiming to protect against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Lenacapavir, the drug being tested, works by preventing the virus from replicating within cells. This new form of HIV prevention could potentially be the longest-acting option available if further trials prove successful.
Currently, individuals at risk of HIV infection can opt for daily pills or injections every eight weeks for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce their chances of contracting the virus. While PrEP tablets have shown to be highly effective, the challenge lies in adhering to a daily regimen. The introduction of an annual injectable alternative like lenacapavir could address this issue and increase accessibility to HIV prevention methods.
According to data from 2023, approximately 39.9 million people worldwide are living with HIV, with a significant portion located in the African Region of the World Health Organization. Global health organizations like the WHO, Global Fund, and UNAids are actively working towards ending the HIV epidemic by 2030, which involves enhancing accessibility to medications such as PrEP. Strategies like yearly dosing with lenacapavir could potentially play a crucial role in achieving this goal.
The preliminary trial of lenacapavir involved 40 HIV-negative participants who received muscle injections of the drug, showing no major side effects or safety concerns. The presence of the medicine in their bodies was still detectable after 56 weeks, indicating its potential as an effective long-term prevention method. Moving forward, researchers emphasize the importance of including a more diverse range of participants in future trials to ensure the drug’s efficacy across various demographics. Advocates like Richard Angell from the Terrence Higgins Trust HIV charity underscore the significance of making injectable PrEP more widely accessible to address existing disparities in access to HIV prevention resources
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
