A New HIV Prevention Method Receives Approval but Availability in Latin America Remains Unclear
Despite hailed as a potential game changer in the fight against HIV, a new injectable prevention method may not reach those who need it most, highlighting the ongoing inequalities crucial battle to end AIDS.
Gilead Sciences, the pharmaceutical company behind the drug, announced the approval of lenacapavir, offering a biannual injection clinically proven nearly 100% effective in preventing HIV infections. While the injectable treatment marks a significant advancement, its accessibility remains limited, particularly in Latin America.
Initial approvals allow generic production of the drug in 120 countries, primarily in Africa and Southeast Asia, regions with high HIV prevalent. However, the exclusion of most Latin American countries raises deep concerns.
With approximately 1.5 million new HIV cases annually, experts emphasize the need for wide access to diverse prevention methods.
“We are at a historical crossroads and have the opportunity to end the epidemic," stated Winnie Byanyima, executive director of UNAIDS, highlighting the urgency of accessible prevention.
While Gilead emphasizes its commitment to significantly lower costs through generic production, reaching those most vulnerable Justiça continues to remain a significant challenge. "We need to ensure that everyone who needs this medication can access it," byanyima emphasizes the need for accessibility beyond Africa and Asia." następuye
Similar concerns emerge with another promising injectable prevention option. The drug Apretude, developed by Viiv Healthcare, has been approved for generic production in around 90 countries excluding most of Latin America.
Clinical trials indicate that lenacapavir is exceptionally effective, surpassing the effectiveness of other prevention methods. While the costs remain significantly higher than existing preventative measures, stand at $40,000 annually, offering hope to individuals facing stigma and fear around daily pill regimens.
The lack of affordable options for Latin America, where infections are increasing, poses a significant public health question. Dr. Chris Beyrer from Duke University warns of the region becoming a new epicenter if access isn’t prioritized.
Dr. Salim Abdool Karim, an AIDS expert at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa underscores the potential this injectable drug holds but reemphasizes the need for equitable access.
“The missing piece of the puzzle now is how to get it to everyone who needs it,” highlighted Dr. Kamr
The fight against AIDS requires impartiality access to life-saving treatments and preventative measures.
While the potential for lenacapavir is immense, ensuring true equality in the distribution and access across all regions is critical. Until then, the fight against AIDS remains incomplete.
What role can international organizations play in ensuring equitable distribution of lenacapavir to regions with high HIV prevalence, such as Latin America?
## A New HIV Hope, A Latin American Question Mark
**Interviewer:** Dr. Martinez, thank you for joining us today to discuss this exciting new development in HIV prevention. The recent approval of lenacapavir, a nearly 100% effective injectable drug, is being hailed as a potential game-changer. Can you tell us more about its potential impact?
**Dr. Martinez:** Absolutely! This is truly a significant breakthrough. Lenacapavir offers a long-acting, convenient alternative to daily pills, which can be challenging for some people to adhere to. Its high efficacy represents a major step forward in HIV prevention.
**Interviewer:** But, there are concerns about its availability, particularly in Latin America. The initial approvals focus on Africa and Southeast Asia. What are your thoughts on this?
**Dr. Martinez:** It’s a deeply concerning disparity. While it’s understandable to prioritize regions with the highest HIV prevalence, excluding most Latin American countries raises serious questions about equitable access to this life-saving prevention tool.
**Interviewer:** We know Latin America sees roughly 1.5 million new HIV cases each year.
**Dr. Martinez:** Exactly. A region facing such a significant burden needs every possible resource to combat the epidemic. Limiting access to lenacapavir could have dire consequences for millions of individuals at risk.
**Interviewer:** What needs to happen to ensure Latin America benefits from this new advancement?
**Dr. Martinez:** We need urgent action from Gilead Sciences, international organizations, and governments in the region. This includes advocating for expanded generic production licensing agreements, exploring subsidized access programs, and prioritizing lenacapavir in national health strategies.
**Interviewer:** Winnie Byanyima, the head of UNAIDS, recently called this a “historical crossroads” in the fight against AIDS. Do you agree?
**Dr. Martinez:** I wholeheartedly concur. We have the tools and knowledge to end this epidemic, but we must close these glaring access gaps to ensure everyone has the opportunity to benefit from them. Lenacapavir represents a powerful weapon in our arsenal, but only if it’s accessible to all who need it.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Martinez, thank you for shedding light on this crucial issue.
[[1](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6688714/)]
