
A twice-a-year injection of the drug lenacapavir was 100% effective in preventing HIV infection in women during clinical trials, according to a study released yesterday. The drug—already used as a treatment for HIV infections—outperformed preventive treatments currently in use in regions with high HIV/AIDS mortality (see map).
Of the roughly 2,000 HIV-negative female participants from South Africa and Uganda who received the injection, no one became infected with HIV (see results). Fifty-five women from the other 3,000 participants who received commonly used daily pills Truvada or Descovy were infected. Experts suggest the injection could help offset adherence issues associated with the daily pill regimen, though the drug currently costs $40K annually in the US. Results from clinical trials on the drug's efficacy on men are expected next year.
Roughly 630,000 people died from HIV/AIDS-related causes in 2023, a significant decline from the 2.1 million in 2004. See more here.
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