A new HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir, has demonstrated 100% effectiveness in preventing HIV infection in females, according to a recent study conducted by Gilead. Marketed as Sunleca, the drug is a capsid inhibitor that prevents HIV from entering host cells and is administered biannually, every 26 weeks.
In a comprehensive study involving over 5,000 females in South Africa and Uganda, lenacapavir successfully prevented HIV infections in all participants. This remarkable outcome stands in stark contrast to the approximately 2% infection rate observed in participants who took daily oral prevention pills such as Descovy and Truvada.
How much do lenacapavir injections cost?
Lenacapavir’s potency surpasses that of daily oral prevention pills, offering a significant advancement in HIV prevention. Currently priced at over $40,000 for the first year, there is potential for the drug to be sold at a much lower cost, possibly as little as $40, making it more accessible worldwide.
The study also highlighted the challenges associated with daily oral prevention pills. Only about 30% of participants given Gilead’s Truvada or Descovy adhered to the regimen consistently, and adherence rates declined over time.
Another HIV prevention shot, Apretude, which is administered every two months, is already approved in some countries, including parts of Africa. However, lenacapavir’s less frequent dosing schedule could make it a more attractive option for many.
Does lenacapavir only work in females?
Gilead is currently testing lenacapavir in men, transgender women, and non-binary individuals. “The PURPOSE 2 trial is being conducted in men, transgender women and non-binary individuals and the results are due out later this year, which is when (if favorable), Gilead will apply for regulatory approval,” stated Gandhi. Favorable results could pave the way for regulatory approval and broader use of lenacapavir.
The need for effective HIV prevention methods remains critical. According to UNAIDS, 46% of new HIV infections globally in 2022 were in women and girls, who are three times more likely to contract HIV than males in Africa. Moreover, HIV rates are 7.7% higher in men who have sex with men and 9.2% higher for transgender individuals.
Gilead’s lenacapavir represents a promising step forward in the fight against HIV. As the company awaits the results of ongoing trials and potential regulatory approval, the global health community remains hopeful for a new era in HIV prevention.
Parts of this article has been sourced by Healthline and fact-checked by Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D.
Featured Image by Angelo Esslinger from Pixabay
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