New HIV prevention drug offers hope, but limited supply hampers access
Lenacapavir is a new drug designed to prevent HIV infection. Developed by Gilead Sciences, the medication requires only two injections per year. It acts as a long-acting form of pre-exposure prophylaxis. This method offers an alternative to daily pills or treatments that need more frequent doses. While the drug offers nearly complete protection, limited supplies are restricting access in various countries.
A new HIV-prevention drug that offers nearly complete protection with just two injections a year is raising hopes of curbing the global epidemic, but limited supplies are restricting access in many countries. The drug, lenacapavir, developed by American pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences, is a long-acting form of pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, which helps prevent HIV infection. The twice-yearly injections could provide an alternative to daily prevention pills and other existing treatments that require more frequent doses.