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 Injection boasts Nearly 100% Effectiveness in Groundbreaking Trials
**Could a single injection every six months revolutionize HIV prevention?** Promising new research suggests it might. A groundbreaking clinical trial has demonstrated that Lenacapavir, a long-acting antiretroviral drug delivered via injection, is substantially more effective than daily oral PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) in preventing HIV.
Too delve deeper into this potential game-changer, we spoke with two leading experts in the field: **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 and a renowned HIV researcher.
**
### A New Era of HIV Prevention?**
**WTN:** Dr. kelley, your recent study on Lenacapavir has generated significant excitement. What makes this new HIV prevention method so promising?
**Dr. Kelley:** “Lenacapavir’s near 100% effectiveness rate is astounding, especially when compared to customary PrEP. This long-acting injection offers a remarkably convenient and effective option, particularly for individuals who struggle with daily medication adherence or have limited access to healthcare resources.”
**WTN:** Dr. del Rio, how does this breakthrough align with the broader HIV prevention landscape?
**Dr.del Rio:** “This is truly a significant advancement. Long-acting antiretroviral drugs like Lenacapavir offer a new tool in our arsenal against HIV. With increasing
Houſeglobal HIV infection rates, having more flexible and accessible prevention options is crucial to curbing the epidemic.”
**### Expanding Access and Addressing Disparities**
**WTN:** The trial specifically targeted communities disproportionately affected by HIV. Can you elaborate on the importance of this focus?
**Dr. Kelley:** “Absolutely. Our study intentionally enrolled participants from diverse countries,including those hit hardest by HIV,such as South Africa and Brazil. We recognized that many individuals in these communities face challenges adhering to daily PrEP regimens, often due to stigma, social determinants of health, or limited access to care.”
**WTN:**
What are the implications of this research for vulnerable populations within the United States?
**Dr. del Rio:** “The alarming statistic that over half of new HIV cases in the US in 2022 were among cisgender gay men, with a significant proportion being African-American or Hispanic, highlights the urgent need for strategies like this. Lenacapavir could be a lifeline for these communities, empowering individuals with greater control over thier sexual health.”
**### Looking Ahead: Approval and Impact**
**WTN:**
What are the next steps in making Lenacapavir widely available?
**Dr. Kelley:** “We have submitted marketing applications to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and are hopeful for approval by 2025. If approved, this could be a paradigm shift in HIV prevention.”
**WTN:**
What message would you like to convey to individuals at risk of HIV?
**Dr. del Rio:** “Stay informed about advancements in prevention, talk to your healthcare provider, and know that there are more options than ever before to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
**
Key Takeaways:**
Lenacapavir represents a groundbreaking advancement in HIV prevention, offering near 100% effectiveness
with a convenient six-month injection. This breakthrough holds immense promise for expanding access to prevention tools, particularly for vulnerable populations who face challenges with daily medication regimens.
**What are your thoughts on this new HIV prevention method? Share your comments below and join the conversation on how to end the HIV epidemic.**
**For further reading,check out our in-depth coverage of PrEP and other HIV prevention strategies.**
