Groundbreaking HIV Prevention Shot Offers Hope But Access Remains Unequal
A groundbreaking, long-acting HIV prevention shot has hailed as a "historical moment" in the fight against AIDS, but concerns are rising over unequal access, particularly in Latin America.
The injectable drug, called Lenacapavir and marketed as Sunlenca, demonstrated 100% effectiveness in preventing HIV infection in a study of women, with near-equal protection for men. Pharmaceutical company Gilead announced a generic version would be available in 120 countries, mostly in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean, where HIV rates are highest.
However, this excludes most of Latin America, despite rising infection rates there. Experts warn this discrepancy jeopardizes a unique opportunity to finally end the AIDS epidemic.
"This is a much better method of prevention than anything we’ve had before,” emphasized Winnie Byanyima, executive director of UNAIDS.
UNAIDS’ recent World AIDS Day report highlighted a historic low in AIDS-related deaths (about 630,000) in 2022, marking a turning point in the fight against the virus.
Sunlenca, already approved to treat HIV in the United States, Canada, and European countries, is awaiting approval for prevention use.
While other preventative measures like condoms, daily pills, vaginal rings, and bi-monthly injections exist, Sunlenca’s biannual administration offers significant advantages. Experts believe it would be particularly beneficial for vulnerable groups like sex workers, homosexual men, and young women who face societal stigma and barriers to traditional prevention methods.
Luis Ruvalcaba, a 32-year-old Guadalajara resident participating in a trial, admitted his fear of openly seeking daily HIV preventative pills due to his sexual orientation. Sunlenca’s biannual dose provided a discreet and empowering alternative.
Dr. Alma Minerva Pérez, who recruited participants in Guadalajara, explained, “Patients are very happy because it doesn’t interrupt their daily life. It’s hard for them to ask for (the pills), it makes them sad.”
Despite the excitement surrounding Sunlenca, access in Mexico remains unclear. However, free daily HIV prevention pills have been accessible through public health programs since 2021. Dr. Pérez remains hopeful: “If the possibility of using generics was opened, I have faith that this will happen in Mexico.”
Gilead, however, asserted its commitment to expanding access where needed, stating that 18 of the 120 countries offered generic Lenacapavir, with 70% of the global HIV-positive population residing in those regions.
UNAIDS figures show a rise in HIV infections in Latin America, prompting 15 LGBTQ+ advocacy groups from Peru, Argentina, Ecuador, Chile, Guatemala, and Colombia to petition Gilead for generic Sunlenca access.
The decision by Gilead and other pharmaceutical companies like Viiv Healthcare, which excluded most of Latin America from its bimonthly injectable prevention drug, Apretude, has encountered criticism.
Health Gap executive director, Asia Russell, urged countries like Brazil and Mexico to utilize "compulsory licensing," a strategy allowing governments to waive patent rights in emergencies, akin to the approach taken for HIV treatment drugs in the late 1990s and 2000s. She stressed, “When we have over a million new HIV infections each year globally, current prevention methods are inadequate."
Colombia recently employed this strategy for the HIV treatment Tivicay, demonstrating a potential path forward.
Dr. Salim Abdool Karim, an AIDS specialist from South Africa’s University of KwaZulu-Natal, declared Sunlenca "the most effective drug I have ever seen.” Undeniably, making it accessible to those who need it most will determine if this truly marks the beginning of the end of the AIDS epidemic.
[Include Twitter Embeds from the original article]
2024-12-01 19:53:00
#Semiannual #injections #show #effectiveness #HIV
## Inequality Threatens Promise of Revolutionary HIV Prevention Shot
**World Today News:** Winnie Byanyima,executive director of UNAIDS,recently hailed the introduction of a groundbreaking injectable HIV prevention drug,Lenacapavir,as a “historical moment” in the fight against AIDS. While this new weapon in our arsenal offers tremendous hope, concerns about access, particularly in Latin America, are casting a shadow over its potential.
Today, we are joined by Dr. [Expert Name], [Expertises/Affiliation], to discuss the implications of this growth adn the urgent need for equitable global access.
**World Today News:** Dr. [Expert Name] , thank you for joining us.
**dr. [Expert Name]:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**World Today News:** Lenacapavir has shown remarkable efficacy in preventing HIV infection. What makes this drug so significant?
**Dr. [expert Name]:** Lenacapavir represents a significant advancement for several reasons. First, its long-acting nature means individuals only need a shot every two months, removing the daily burden of oral PrEP. This can dramatically improve adherence, which is crucial for HIV prevention. Second, its high efficacy rate, particularly in women, offers unprecedented protection. Gilead’s commitment to a generic version in low- and middle-income countries signals a positive step towards affordability and accessibility.
**World Today News:** Despite these positive developments, access remains unequal. While 120 countries, primarily in africa, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean, will benefit from the generic version, Latin America has been largely excluded. Why is this a concern?
**Dr. [Expert Name]:** Excluding Latin America from access to this vital tool is deeply problematic. The region is experiencing a resurgence in HIV infections, particularly among key populations like men who have sex with men and transgender individuals. Limited access to prevention strategies exacerbates existing inequalities, fueling the epidemic. Denying people in Latin America access to this possibly life-saving medication is a missed possibility to end AIDS as a public health threat.
**World Today News:** What are the potential consequences of this access gap?
**Dr. [Expert Name]:** The consequences are dire. Without widespread access to Lenacapavir,we risk seeing further increases in HIV infections, rising healthcare costs,and growing inequality. We could also see a resurgence of stigma and discrimination,as individuals living with HIV face limited access to treatment and prevention options.
**World Today News:** What can be done to ensure equitable access to Lenacapavir in Latin America and globally?
**Dr. [Expert Name]:** Several actions are crucial. first, Gilead needs to reconsider its distribution strategy and prioritize equitable access across all high-burden regions. Second,governments in Latin America must prioritize funding for HIV prevention programs and advocate for affordable access to Lenacapavir. Third, international organizations like UNAIDS and the World Health Organization need to play a stronger role in advocating for global access and supporting countries in implementing effective prevention strategies.
**World Today News:** Dr. [Expert Name], thank you for shedding light on this critical issue. Clearly, Lenacapavir holds immense promise, but realizing its full potential requires a commitment to justice and equitable access for all.
