A groundbreaking twice-yearly HIV prevention injection has shown a remarkable 96% effectiveness in preventing infections, making it the closest the world has come to an HIV vaccine. However, despite its potential, experts warn that access remains the “missing piece” in the fight to end AIDS.
Lenacapavir: A Game Changer in HIV Prevention
The injection, called lenacapavir, has been hailed as a profound medical advancement, far more effective than daily oral pills like PrEP. Already available under the brand name Sunlenca for HIV treatment, it was recently shown to be 100% effective in preventing infections in women. UNAIDS executive director Winnie Byanyima called it a “superior” method of prevention, particularly for at-risk groups such as gay men, sex workers, and young women. The simplicity of a twice-yearly shot would make it a miracle for marginalized populations who fear seeking care.
Access Barriers and the Latin American Exclusion
While Gilead, the drug’s manufacturer, has committed to offering affordable generic versions in 120 countries with high HIV rates, including many in Africa and Asia, it has excluded most Latin American countries where HIV rates are rising. This has sparked concern among advocates who argue that denying access to these regions is “unconscionable.” The availability of lenacapavir in these countries remains uncertain, and advocacy groups in Latin America have called for greater access, pointing out the stark inequities in HIV prevention. While lenacapavir could be produced cheaply in the future, the question remains how to make it accessible to those who need it most.
