A new twice-yearly HIV prevention injection is boosting efforts to fight HIV/AIDS in Uganda and worldwide. Lenacapavir, developed by Gilead Sciences, first received FDA approval in 2022 to treat adults with multidrug-resistant HIV. Recently, the FDA approved it for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent sexually acquired HIV in adults and adolescents.
Trials in Uganda and South Africa—both countries with high HIV rates—showed that the drug provided 100% protection to HIV-negative participants. Dr. Flavia Matovu Kiweewa, who led the trials in Uganda, said they focused on adolescent girls and young women because this group faces higher infection risks.
In Uganda, about 1.5 million people live with HIV. Around 730 new infections happen weekly, mostly among young women. Dr. Matovu explained that the drug works by attacking HIV at several stages of its lifecycle. This approach makes it highly effective compared to antivirals that target just one stage.
Doctors administer the injection under the skin, where it slowly releases medicine over six months. After six months, patients need a new injection to stay protected. The drug is not a vaccine but a PrEP treatment. It requires regular doses to keep protecting the user.
The drug is not yet available in Uganda but is used in the US and Europe. Uganda’s health officials, including the AIDS Commission and Ministry of Health, are evaluating the drug for inclusion in essential medicines. Although its current cost is high, officials expect prices to fall as more people use it and the government negotiates procurement.
Lenacapavir marks a big step forward in HIV prevention. However, people must test negative for HIV before starting the drug and before each new dose. This practice helps prevent drug resistance. Proper injection technique is crucial, as improper administration can cause serious side effects, though these are rare.
The twice-yearly HIV prevention injection offers fresh hope for those at risk of HIV. As Uganda aims to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, this drug could help protect many more people.
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