The twice-yearly Injectable lenacapavir for HIV prevention has registered success and trial confirmed ,it demonstrated 100% efficacy for HIV prevention in women.
The results from the PURPOSE 1 trial of the two-time injectable were presented on 24th July 2024 at the ongoing International AIDS conference in Munich Germany.
Sharon Lewin, President of International Aids Society IAS who presented the results noted that this is a breakthrough advance with huge public health potential.
She added that if approved and delivered – rapidly, affordably, and equitably – to those who need or want it, this long-acting tool could help accelerate global progress in HIV prevention.
The IAS president who is also the AIDS 2024 International Co-Chair and Director of the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity at the University of Melbourne in Australia expressed gratitude “to the thousands of young women in South Africa and Uganda who volunteered to be part of this study”.
The Australian researcher revealed that now eagerly awaits results from PURPOSE 2, which is assessing twice-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention in other populations and countries.
“In the meantime, all stakeholders must work together to accelerate equitable delivery of existing HIV prevention options, and do more to prepare for future options, such as lenacapavir for PrEP” she stated.
While leaders welcome advances in HIV science, they warn of growing threats to progress.
“While these advances are cause to celebrate, science doesn’t happen in a vacuum. All around the world, regressive policies, attacks on human rights, the spread of misinformation, cuts to global health funding, and waning trust in international institutions are roadblocks to progress. To end HIV as a threat to public health and individual well-being, we need an evidence-based HIV response and a political climate that respects science.” she said.
The International AIDS Conference is the premier global platform to advance the HIV response. As the world’s largest conference on HIV and AIDS, it sits uniquely at the intersection of science, advocacy, and human rights, bringing together scientists, policymakers, healthcare professionals, people living with HIV, funders, media, and communities.
