Six-Month Injection Shows Promising Results as New HIV Prevention Method
A new HIV prevention method, delivered via a six-month injection, has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in clinical trials. Lenacapavir, the long-acting antiretroviral drug, proved to be significantly more effective than daily oral PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), according to research published in the esteemed New England Journal of Medicine.
The international study, led by researchers from Emory University and Grady Health System, involved over 2,000 participants. Only two individuals receiving Lenacapavir contracted HIV, compared to nine cases among those taking daily PrEP. This translates to an overall effectiveness rate of 96% for Lenacapavir, highlighting its potential as a game-changer in HIV prevention.
“Lenacapavir’s near 100% effectiveness is remarkable, especially for those who cannot take the drug every day or who have limited medical resources,” said Dr. Colleen Kelley, professor at Emory University School of Medicine and the study’s lead investigator.
The trial enlisted diverse participants from countries including Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, and the United States, deliberately targeting communities disproportionately impacted by HIV. This focus stemmed from the recognition that many individuals in these groups struggle with adhering to daily medication regimens, underscoring the urgent need for more convenient and accessible alternatives.
The alarming statistic that over half of new HIV cases in the United States in 2022 were among cisgender gay men, with 70% being African-American or Hispanic, further emphasizes the critical need for flexible prevention strategies.
With the successful completion of the Phase III clinical trial, marke
ting applications for Lenacapavir have been submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Researchers are hopeful for approval by 2025, potentially offering a groundbreaking solution for individuals who face challenges with traditional daily medication.
Dr. Carlos del Rio, head of the Department of Internal Medicine at Emory University, highlighted the significance of this breakthrough: “Long-acting antiretroviral drugs add new tools to HIV prevention. HIV infections worldwide Increase the number of HIV infection.”
Lenacapavir’s impressive effectiveness, coupled with its convenient administration, holds immense promise for reducing HIV transmission rates and transforming HIV prevention efforts globally.
An HIV prevention injection (Lenacapavir) is given every six months, and clinical trials have shown it to be more effective than oral PrEP. (Associated Press)
2024-12-01 05:14:00
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## injection Every Six Months Nearly Eliminates HIV Risk,Study Finds: What This Means for the Future of Prevention
**Could an injection given just twice a year revolutionize the way we prevent HIV?** A groundbreaking clinical trial has shown remarkable effectiveness for Lenacapavir,a new long-acting antiretroviral drug that offers near 100% protection against HIV when administered every six months. This new injection has the potential to transform HIV prevention, especially for populations who face challenges with daily medication adherence.
To delve deeper into this game-changing development, we spoke with two leading experts: **Dr. Colleen Kelley**, professor at Emory University School of Medicine and the lead investigator of the Lenacapavir trial, and **Dr. Carlos del Rio**, head of the Department of internal Medicine at Emory University.
### A New Era of HIV Prevention?
**World Today News:** The results of the Lenacapavir trial are incredibly promising. Can you tell us more about its effectiveness compared to conventional PrEP?
**Dr. Kelley:** “The trial demonstrated that Lenacapavir was substantially more effective than daily oral PrEP, with only two HIV infections occurring in the Lenacapavir group compared to nine in the PrEP group.This translates to an overall effectiveness rate of 96% for Lenacapavir.”
**Dr. del Rio:** “This is truly a paradigm shift in HIV prevention. Long-acting injectables like Lenacapavir offer an choice for individuals who struggle with daily pill regimens or have limited access to healthcare. They provide lasting protection with fewer doses, making it more likely for people to stay protected.”
### Overcoming Barriers to HIV Prevention
**World Today News:** The trial actively recruited participants from diverse communities disproportionately impacted by HIV. Why was this focus crucial?
**Dr. Kelley:** ”We specifically targeted communities facing disparities in HIV care and prevention, including those in developing countries and marginalized groups within the US. Many individuals in these communities face systemic barriers to accessing and adhering to daily medications. Lenacapavir’s long-acting nature directly addresses this issue, offering a more accessible and convenient option.”
**Dr. del Rio:** “This is a major step towards health equity. By making prevention more accessible and user-kind,we can finally reach demographic groups who have historically been underserved and disproportionately affected by HIV.”
### The Future of Lenacapavir and Global Impact
**world Today News:** With the FDA application submitted, what’s next for Lenacapavir, and what impact could it have on the global HIV epidemic?
**Dr. Kelley:** “We are optimistic about FDA approval by 2025,and marketing authorization in other countries is expected to follow. this could be a game-changer in the fight against HIV globally, offering a powerful tool alongside existing prevention methods like condoms and PrEP.”
**Dr.del Rio:** “Lenacapavir shows immense promise in reducing transmission rates and ultimately controlling the HIV epidemic. Coupled with ongoing efforts in research and public health initiatives, long-acting injectable prevention strategies like this have the potential to change the course of the pandemic.”
### A Call to Action:
The potential of Lenacapavir to revolutionize HIV prevention is undeniable. This breakthrough signifies a critically important stride towards a future where effective HIV prevention is accessible to all. Learn more about HIV prevention strategies and resources by visiting the Centers for disease Control and prevention (CDC) website.
