A newly approved medication, lenacapavir, has been hailed as a breakthrough in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved lenacapavir on Wednesday, making it easier and longer-lasting to prevent HIV infection.
Lenacapavir is an antiretroviral drug given as an injection, which can be administered in a person’s arm, thigh, or stomach. It disrupts the HIV virus at several stages, undermining its ability to replicate and make the person sick. This medication is easier to administer than other PrEP options, requiring fewer appointments each year.
The medication was previously approved for treating patients who tested positive for HIV but will now be available as a preventative tool under the name Yeztugo. However, with a price tag of over $28,000 per person per year, it is currently unaffordable for many. Efforts are underway to make a more affordable version possible.
Insurance coverage is uncertain, and the Supreme Court’s ruling on the case Kennedy v. Braidwood Management could impact the availability of lenacapavir. Experts believe that timely and affordable access to this medication can save millions of lives.
However, challenges remain in preventing HIV. The Trump administration’s termination of funding for global HIV prevention efforts poses a significant challenge. Without more investments in HIV prevention, global treatment costs are estimated to double. As the need for lenacapavir becomes more urgent, it is essential to incorporate this innovation as soon as possible and make it widely accessible.
Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/6-things-to-know-about-lenacapavir-what-experts-call-a-wonder-drug-for-preventing-hiv