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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## Six-Month HIV Prevention Injection Promises Revolutionary Approach to Global Health Crisis
**Could a bi-annual injection soon be the key to reducing HIV transmission rates worldwide?** New clinical trial results for Lenacapavir, a long-acting antiretroviral drug, are fueling optimism in the scientific community. This promising new HIV prevention method, administered every six months, has shown considerably higher effectiveness rates than conventional daily PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis).
World-Today-News.com sat down with Dr. Colleen Kelley,professor at Emory University School of Medicine adn lead investigator of the Lenacapavir trial,and Dr. Carlos del Rio, head of the Department of Internal Medicine at Emory University, to delve deeper into this groundbreaking progress.
### A New Era in HIV Prevention
**World-today-News:** Dr. Kelley, the effectiveness results of Lenacapavir are truly impressive. Can you elaborate on what makes this new approach so promising?
**Dr. Kelley:** Lenacapavir’s remarkable near 100% efficacy in our Phase III trial is unparalleled. This is incredibly encouraging, especially for individuals who face difficulties adhering to a daily medication regimen or have limited access to healthcare resources.
**World-Today-News:** dr. del Rio, how significant is this breakthrough in the larger context of the ongoing HIV epidemic?
**Dr. del Rio:** Long-acting antiretroviral drugs represent a significant advancement in HIV prevention,offering a more convenient and sustainable option. With increases in HIV infection rates both domestically and globally, diverse prevention tools are urgently needed.
### Reaching Underserved Populations
**World-Today-News:** The Lenacapavir trial deliberately targeted communities disproportionately affected by HIV. Can you elaborate on the rationale behind this focus?
**Dr. Kelley:** Our study specifically recruited participants from diverse backgrounds, including countries with high HIV prevalence like Peru, Brazil, South africa, and Thailand.
“We recognized the critical need to address disparities in access to HIV prevention,” Dr. Kelley emphasized.
**World-today-News:** How do you envision Lenacapavir impacting communities facing challenges with traditional PrEP access?
**Dr. del rio:** Lenacapavir has the potential to be a game changer, notably for marginalized communities that struggle with daily medication adherence or face systemic barriers to healthcare.Its long-acting nature could drastically improve adherence rates and,ultimately,save lives.
### Looking Ahead: Real-World Impact and Wider Access
**World-Today-News:** Marketing applications for Lenacapavir have been submitted to the FDA. What are your expectations for its approval timeline and subsequent availability?
**Dr. Kelley**: We are hopeful for FDA approval by 2025. This timeframe would allow us to bring this vital prevention tool to individuals who need it most as quickly as possible.
**World-Today-News:** What long-term impact do you anticipate Lenacapavir having on global HIV prevention efforts?
**Dr. del Rio:** We believe Lenacapavir can be a powerful tool in the fight against HIV. Its high efficacy, long-acting formula, and ease of governance could lead to a significant reduction in new infections worldwide.
** “This is a truly momentous advancement in our fight against HIV.”** - Dr. Carlos del Rio, Emory University.
### taking Action
The development of Lenacapavir offers renewed hope in the battle against HIV.
**Learn more about HIV prevention strategies:**
* [Visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/](https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/)
* [Find local HIV testing and resources: https://www.hiv.gov](https://www.hiv.gov)
Share your thoughts on this groundbreaking development and join the conversation on social media using #Lenacapavir #HIVPrevention.
