A Single Shot Every 6 Months Can Prevent HIV? FDA’s New Move Stuns Experts!
Washington/New Delhi(The Uttam Hindu): Medical science has achieved a major breakthrough in the field of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) prevention. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an injection called Lenacapavir (Yeztugo), which can prevent HIV infection with just two doses every six months. This is the first-ever Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) injection that offers such long-term protection. Research on this injection has been ongoing for the past 20 years.
It is important to note that Lenacapavir is not a cure for HIV but helps prevent infection in individuals who are not yet exposed to the virus. Experts explain that Lenacapavir is a PrEP medication that blocks HIV from entering the body, though it is not a vaccine, as it does not build immunity to fight the virus.
Three major clinical trials have yielded highly encouraging results. In these trials, the risk of HIV infection dropped to zero (100% effectiveness) among women and to just 0.1% among men. The study was published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine. Lenacapavir is a capsid inhibitor that weakens the outer shell (capsid) of the HIV virus, disrupting its ability to spread within the body.
The two injections are given subcutaneously and release the drug slowly, remaining active in the body for six months. To continue protection, the dose must be repeated every six months. Recipients must undergo an HIV-negative test before each dose.
This injection is intended for HIV-negative individuals at high risk of infection. The person must weigh more than 35 kg and show no symptoms of HIV. If administered to someone who is already HIV positive, it could be harmful and increase the risk of drug resistance.
Public health expert Dr. Jugal Kishore said Lenacapavir is a significant advancement in the fields of science and public health. He stated that it could revolutionize HIV prevention but must be made affordable to benefit the masses. He also cautioned that the arrival of this injection should not reduce public awareness and vigilance regarding HIV.