Lenacapavir is a long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drug. It stops HIV from entering the body and making copies of itself. The medicine is given as an injection every six months and is the longest-acting injectable so far.
Gilead plans regulatory processes by the end of 2024 in 18 low- and middle-income countries, including Botswana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia and Malawi. Late-stage trials showed a 96% reduction in infections among diverse groups. In the PURPOSE 2 study only two people out of more than 2,000 contracted HIV, and PURPOSE 1 found no cisgender women contracted HIV while on the drug.
Experts say price and reliable supply will shape real use. Early models suggest a year’s supply would need to cost about US$40 to reach wide uptake.
Difficult words
- pre-exposure prophylaxis — medicine given before infection to prevent disease
- long-acting — stays effective for many months
- regulatory — related to government approval rules
- trial — a test of a new medicinetrials
- reduction — a decrease in amount or number
- uptake — people's acceptance or use of something
- supply — the amount of medicine available to people
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you prefer a medicine given every six months? Why or why not?
- How could a low price help more people use the drug?
- What problems can a poor supply of medicine cause?
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