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Twice-Yearly Injection Could Be as Effective as HIV Vaccine
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Lenacapavir, an antiviral drug, has been approved as a preventive therapy, offering a new approach to combating HIV.
More then four decades have passed since the initial HIV cases surfaced. While effective treatments exist to manage the virus, a vaccine remains elusive. However, recent studies published in 2024 indicate that an anti-HIV drug, administered via injection twice annually, could offer protection against infection comparable to a vaccine.
Scientists at Gilead, a leading HIV treatment developer, dedicated two decades to creating lenacapavir. This antiviral medication targets a specific protein on the virus’s outer layer. Similarly, vaccines target external viral proteins, aiming to prepare the immune system to recognize and defend against HIV upon exposure. Lenacapavir has already been approved for treating HIV, and in june, the FDA extended its approval to include preventive use. Broad adoption of this medication could significantly advance efforts to eradicate the HIV epidemic.
The company’s CEO, Dan O’Day, emphasizes that Gilead is dedicated to ensuring access to the drug for those at the highest risk of HIV infection. In 2024, he signed a voluntary licensing agreement enabling several generic manufacturers to produce lenacapavir for distribution in 120 low- and middle-income countries, where HIV remains a major concern. Approximately 40 million people worldwide are living with HIV or AIDS, with about two-thirds residing in sub-Saharan Africa. “not that many companies focus on virology,” he says. “And if we are going to produce a drug,and put our blood,sweat and tears into it,then it’s got to end up in everybody’s hands who can use it.”
Building on its expertise in immune-based therapies-the company’s remdesivir was the first antiviral approved to treat COVID-19-O’Day notes that Gilead is also actively developing treatments for blood cancers, solid tumors, and autoimmune conditions. “We are in build mode, but it is indeed already a significant part of our company and the fastest-growing part of the company today,” he says of the cancer projects. “I expect five years from now you will see Gilead making a bigger impact across the world, in a variety of disease states.”
“Not that many companies focus on virology… it’s got to end up in everybody’s hands who can use it.”
Understanding Lenacapavir and HIV Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions About Lenacapavir
- What is Lenacapavir?
- Lenacapavir is a novel capsid inhibitor, an antiviral drug used for both treating and preventing HIV infection by targeting the virus’s outer shell.
- How frequently enough is Lenacapavir administered?
- Lenacapavir is administered via injection twice a year, offering a long-acting preventive measure against HIV.
- Is Lenacapavir a replacement for HIV vaccines?
- While not a vaccine, studies suggest Lenacapavir could be as effective as a vaccine in preventing HIV infection.
- Where will Lenacapavir be available?
- Through voluntary licensing agreements,generic versions of Lenacapavir will be manufactured for distribution in 120 low- and middle-income countries.
- What other treatments is Gilead developing?
- gilead is expanding its research to include treatments for blood cancers, solid tumors, and autoimmune diseases.
