A significant milestone in the fight against HIV has been realized, if the results from the HIV phase 3 trial are anything to go by. A twice-yearly injection of a drug (Lenacapavir), developed to treat HIV/AIDS, offers 100% efficacy in preventing new infections of the deadly virus.
“With zero infections and 100% efficacy, twice-yearly lenacapavir has demonstrated its potential as an important new tool to help prevent HIV infections. We look forward to additional results from the ongoing PURPOSE clinical program and continuing toward our goal of helping to end the HIV epidemic for everyone, everywhere,”
Dr. Merdad Parsey, CEO, Gilead Sciences.
The Trial Explained
Gilead, a world renown drug maker, rolled out a medical trial, involving young women and adolescent girls, in South Africa and Uganda.
5,000 of them were given shots of the drug and were tracked over some time. Not a single HIV case was reported in those who received 2 shots of Lenacapavir.
The participants were randomly picked but they were unaware of which treatment they were receiving. This was done as a control to maintain the purity of the results. They were to either receive lenacapavir injections every 26 weeks or take daily oral HIV medications.
The HIV regimen includes drugs like emtricitabine–tenofovir alafenamide (F/TAF) or emtricitabine–tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (FTC/TDF).
The Results Explained
According to the end data, approximately 2% of those taking the daily pills contracted the virus from infected partners, corroborating the effectiveness of lenacapavir compared to the daily oral meds.
Injection-site reactions were reported in 69% of the placebo group, compared to 35% of the placebo group. No concerns about the safety of the drug were found, making it safe and effective.
The positive results of the drug study were highlighted in the New England Journal of Medicine and were a focal point of discussion at an HIV/AIDS conference in Munich.
The HIV Drug to Be Rolled Out Soon
Lenacapavir (marketed as Sunlenca) has already garnered approval in various regions as a treatment for HIV. PURPOSE 1 was successfully rolled out and researchers are looking forward to the results of the PURPOSE 2 trial.
Evaluations on the effectiveness of the twice-yearly injections, in preventing HIV, are ongoing worldwide.
“These data confirm that twice-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention is a breakthrough advance with huge public health potential. If approved and delivered – rapidly, affordably, and equitably – to those who need or want it, this long-acting tool could help accelerate global progress in HIV prevention. We all owe a debt of gratitude to the thousands of young women in South Africa and Uganda who volunteered to be part of this study,”
Sharon Lewin, President, International AIDS Society.
Affordability
Despite the jubilation surrounding the shots, there are concerns regarding the affordability of the treatment. There has been advocacy to urge Gilead to prioritize those in dire need, through a cost-effective strategy.
The innovative lenacapavir injections are a game-changer in HIV prevention efforts and eliminating the stigma surrounding it. It offers hope for many people who have been infected and affected, globally. The new dawn is here!
