Meet Lenacapavir: The drug that could end HIV epidemic
The global fight against HIV/AIDS has been bolstered by the promising results of a new drug, Lenacapavir. This medication has shown potential to significantly reduce new HIV infections, through sexual transmission. The latest clinical trial, named PURPOSE 2 and sponsored by Gilead Science, revealed a 96% effectiveness rate in preventing HIV infections among over 3,200 participants, from diverse gender identities and sexual orientations.
A twice-yearly injection
The PURPOSE 2 trial involved participants from Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Thailand, Mexico, Peru, and the US. These findings follow an earlier trial called PURPOSE 1 that tested Lenacapavir on 5,300 women in South Africa and Uganda. The results from this trial were equally impressive with a reported efficacy rate of 100%. Notably, Lenacapavir is administered as a twice-yearly injection rather than a daily pill like Truvada.
Potential to revolutionize HIV prevention
Ethel Weld, an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, hailed the results as "a thrilling game changer for HIV prevention." She noted that while pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drugs like Truvada have proven 99% effective in clinical trials, real-world adherence is often lower due to stigma and other barriers. In contrast, Lenacapavir's twice-yearly injection format could overcome these challenges, and revolutionize HIV prevention strategies.
Advocacy groups and researchers endorse new medicine
The People's Medicines Alliance, a global coalition advocating for more accessible medications, has expressed strong support for Lenacapavir. They believe it could be particularly beneficial in low- and middle-income countries where stigma and discrimination are prevalent. Cecile Tremblay, a HIV researcher at the University of Montreal, underscored its potential to address the epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa where HIV/AIDS is most widespread.
Lenacapavir's journey from treatment to prevention
Lenacapavir has been approved by the FDA in the US, for multi-drug resistant HIV treatment since 2022. However, the PURPOSE 1 and PURPOSE 2 trials mark its first testing for HIV prevention. Gilead Sciences plans to use data from these trials for global regulatory filings starting late 2024, aiming to launch Lenacapavir as a preventive measure against HIV in 2025.
