WHO Endorses Injectable Lenacapavir for HIV Prevention: A Game-Changer in Global Health
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The World Health organization (WHO) has officially recommended Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking injectable medication, for HIV prevention. This long-acting treatment, administered just twice a year, marks a meaningful leap forward in the global effort to combat HIV transmission.
In a pivotal press release, the WHO hailed Lenacapavir as “crucial” for HIV prevention, designating it as the first injectable, long-acting preventive treatment of it’s kind. The proclamation, made during the closing of the 13th conference of the International Society on AIDS in Kigali, Rwanda, was met with widespread optimism.
“For the first time, we have an instrument that can change the course of the HIV epidemic,” stated Peter Sands, executive director of the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
A New Era in HIV Prevention
Alexandra Calmy, head of the HIV/AIDS unit at Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), emphasized the dual significance of this development. “it is indeed not just a medical advance, but also a political advance,” she remarked on RTS Forum. The WHO’s endorsement paves the way for crucial negotiations with both the manufacturer and generic producers, potentially broadening access to this life-saving treatment.
Lenacapavir is classified as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a treatment designed for individuals who are HIV-negative but at high risk of infection. While current PrEP in Switzerland involves daily oral tablets, lenacapavir offers a long-acting injectable option, requiring management only every six months.
Calmy described the new treatment as a major breakthrough, stating, “It is not a vaccine, but it is in any case the solution closest to a vaccine that we have never had.”
The Quest for a vaccine Continues
While Lenacapavir provides a potent chemical barrier against HIV, its protection is not as enduring as that offered by a vaccine. Calmy highlighted the ongoing importance of vaccine research, noting, “The vaccine could have a more sustainable and broader public health impact. Onc administered, it protects for several years.It is indeed thus no longer necessary to permanently seek people at risk to offer them treatment.”
Affordability and accessibility Challenges Ahead
The accessibility and cost of Lenacapavir are expected to be key discussion points. Calmy urged Switzerland and heavily affected countries to negotiate access to the treatment. The advantage of Lenacapavir lies in its convenience, reducing the risk of missed doses compared to daily oral prep. “We take it twice a year and then we no longer have to worry about it,” she explained.
However, the price of Lenacapavir presents a significant hurdle.In the United States, the annual cost per patient is reported to be $28,000, a stark contrast to the cost of current oral PrEP treatments.
