Lenacapavir: Landmark deal paves way for cheaper HIV/ Aids protection jab

BBC
BBC
3M ago
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A new HIV prevention drug, Lenacapavir, will be available at a drastically reduced price in over 100 low-income countries, aiming to enhance access and combat the HIV epidemic.
Lenacapavir: Landmark deal paves way for cheaper HIV/ Aids protection jab
A What happened
Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking HIV prevention drug, has been approved by the World Health Organization and will be made available at a drastically reduced price of $40 in over 120 low- and middle-income countries by 2027. This initiative, spearheaded by the Clinton Health Access Initiative in collaboration with the Gates Foundation, aims to provide affordable access to HIV prevention, which is crucial for many communities. The drug, administered via injection twice a year, offers six months of protection against HIV infection, potentially transforming prevention strategies for vulnerable groups such as adolescent girls, LGBT individuals, and sex workers. Current oral PrEP options are less accessible due to daily dosing requirements and associated stigma. Lenacapavir has shown promising trial results and is already approved by the US FDA and the European Commission. The initiative comes at a critical time, as UNAIDS reports over 40 million people living with HIV globally, with South Africa being the most affected country.

Key insights

  • 1

    Affordable HIV Prevention: Lenacapavir will be available at $40, significantly lowering the cost for low-income countries.

  • 2

    Targeting Vulnerable Populations: The drug aims to protect young people and underserved communities from HIV.

  • 3

    Biannual Administration: Lenacapavir is administered twice a year, improving adherence compared to daily pills.

Takeaways

The introduction of Lenacapavir represents a significant advancement in the fight against HIV, particularly in low-income regions.

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Health & Medicine Medicine Public Health Diseases & Treatments

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