A recent Instagram post claimed that a new drug, lenacapavir, can cure AIDS with just two shots yearly, costing around $40,000. However, this claim is largely misleading.
Lenacapavir is an antiretroviral drug approved by the FDA in 2022 as a treatment to prevent HIV infection and treat those infected. It has been shown to be nearly 100% effective for pre-exposure prevention of HIV transmission when administered every six months, but not for treatment of existing infections.
The promise of a cure is hopeful, but researchers emphasize that there is no cure for HIV. Effective treatment can reduce the amount of HIV in the body, but it does not eliminate the virus entirely. A few cases have been reported where patients were cured of HIV after undergoing bone marrow ablation and stem cell transplants, but these are rare, complex treatments not adapted for real-world use.
The cost of lenacapavir is currently high, reaching up to $44,819 per person per year, but it may decrease as manufacturers seek mass production and increased competition. Despite the effectiveness of lenacapavir in preventing HIV transmission, it is essential to approach claims of a cure with skepticism and verify information through reputable sources.
According to experts, including Gregg S. Gonsalves, associate professor at Yale School of Public Health, and Sheryl Zwerski, director of the Prevention Sciences Program at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, there is no therapeutic cure for HIV. The latest findings highlight the importance of accurate information and reliable sources in addressing misinformation about HIV treatment and prevention.
Source: https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2024/dec/11/instagram-posts/this-drug-helps-manage-infections-and-prevent-aids