Twice Yearly Injection Prevents HIV in Women, Study Shows
HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a condition that causes an individual's immune system to stop working. The most advanced type of HIV, is known as AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Since the United States AIDS epidemic in the early 1980s, a cure for HIV/AIDS has been a top priority for scientists and pharmaceutical manufacturers. A study published recently might have made significant strides towards a preventative measure against HIV.
This study was part of a phase 3 clinical trial by drugmaker Gilead with the goal of providing another option for HIV prevention. As of today, there are a couple options on the market: PrEP (daily pills) and Apretude (a shot every other month). Compared to those options, a Lenacapavir shot taken once every 26 weeks is far more feasible and sustainable option.
Participants in the study were young women from South Africa and Uganda. Some were given the Lenacapavir shot every 26 weeks, while others were given a placebo every 26 weeks. In total, over 5000 women took part in the study. The results show that 55 women in the placebo group ended up contracting HIV, while 0 women from the Lenacapavir group contracted HIV, giving the drug a 100% efficacy rate for young women.
This is the first HIV preventative drug on the market to display 100% efficacy for a group of participants. This finding may prove to be a big deal for curing/preventing HIV in a manner that doesn't pose a huge financial or logistical burden on the patient.
