The US has approved a twice-a-year shot to prevent HIV, offering a powerful new option against the virus. The shot, made by Gilead Sciences, nearly eliminated new infections in high-risk individuals and provides six-month protection. However, access to the shot may be limited due to upheaval in US healthcare, including cuts to public health agencies and Medicaid.
Experts say the shot could end HIV transmission if people can get it, especially for women who need protection without their partner’s knowledge or consent. The cost of the shot is around $28,218 a year, but insurance coverage and financial assistance programs are available. Despite this, some worry that the shot won’t meet its potential due to reduced funding for HIV prevention and testing programs.
Gilead plans to make low-cost versions of the shot available in 120 poor countries, starting with two million people, at no profit until generics become available. However, HIV experts caution that the arrangements may leave out middle-income countries like some in Latin America. The global rollout of this shot could protect millions and is a crucial step towards ending the HIV pandemic by 2030.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/hiv-prevention-shot-lenacapavir-gilead-80fb37e2c5ac9b452488d7b86a10d568