New FDA-Approved Drug Offers Long-Lasting HIV Prevention, Could “Change Trajectory” of Global Infections
SALT LAKE CITY – A groundbreaking antiviral drug for HIV prevention, developed based on the research of University of Utah biochemist Wesley Sundquist, has received FDA approval, marking a meaningful step forward in the fight against the virus. The drug, lenacapavir – marketed as Yeztugo – is being hailed as a potential game-changer, offering a highly effective and long-lasting prophylactic against HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.decades of Research Culminate in Breakthrough
Sundquist’s work, dating back to the late 1990s, focused on understanding the protein shell surrounding the virus’ genetic material.His team successfully mapped the structure of this shell, known as a capsid, and discovered its vulnerability to even minor alterations. This pivotal finding suggested that drugs targeting the capsid could effectively inhibit viral replication [[1]].
“It was these insights that caught the attention of Gilead Sciences,” the article states, leading to a collaboration that ultimately resulted in the advancement of lenacapavir.
How Yeztugo Works & Its Impact
Lenacapavir functions by binding to the viral protein shell, preventing it from properly assembling and entering host cells. Clinical trials have demonstrated its remarkable efficacy, showing complete protection against transmission for up to six months [[1]].This level of potency and longevity sets Yeztugo apart from existing HIV treatments, which primarily focus on preventing viral replication after infection [[2]]. Sundquist believes this new drug
