By Chrispin Kapindira
A new HIV prevention drug has been shown to be 100% effective in preventing HIV infection in women.
Lenacapavir, which is to be injected twice a year, has been hailed as effective after tests in South Africa and Uganda.
The results of the Phase 3 trial, called PURPOSE 1, demonstrated zero infections among participants who received lenacapavir. The trial involved over 5,000 women in South Africa and Uganda where they did not get the virus even though they were sleeping with affected men.
Gilead Sciences, the manufacturer of lenacapavir, plans to seek regulatory approval for the drug as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option. This would provide an alternative to daily medication for those at risk of HIV infection.
While the news is undoubtedly positive, concerns remain around access and cost.
The current list price of lenacapavir exceeds $40,000 per year which is close to 70 million kwacha in malawi.
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