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Rachel V Thomas

South Africa Receives 1st Batch Of HIV Prevention Medicine Lenacapavir

South Africa Receives 1st Batch Of HIV Prevention Medicine Lenacapavir Gilead Sciences

South Africa's National Department of Health has announced that it has received a first consignment of 37,920 doses of the groundbreaking, six-monthly HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir.

Lenacapavir is the first twice-yearly injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) product that can help tackle the burden of HIV worldwide.

South Africa has the world's largest HIV-positive population of approximately 8 million people, with over 6 million currently on antiretroviral treatment.

“The department will, in the next few weeks, announce the official launch of this game changer where the phased implementation plan will be outlined,” said department spokesperson Foster Mohale, in a statement.

"Lenacapavir is preventive medicine, not a vaccine, considered one of the most exciting HIV prevention advances in years," Mohale said.

The Department noted that the medicine is expected to be sustain nearly half a million people in South Africa over the next two years, the statement said, adding that is will be officially rolled out in May.

Notably, the initial phase will target high-incidence districts and vulnerable groups.

Lenacapavir is a critical tool for reaching the Global AIDS Strategy goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

Lenacapavir injection as an additional PrEP option offers a highly effective, long-acting alternative to daily oral pills and other shorter-acting options.

With just two doses per year, lenacapavir is a transformative step forward in protecting people at risk of HIV -- particularly those who face challenges with daily adherence, stigma, or access to health care.

Marketed under the brand name Yeztugo, lenacapavir, developed by global pharma major Gilead Sciences, costs $28,218 per person per year.

However, it is being provided to South Africa through a $29-million USD grant from the Global Fund.

The shot was tested in two major studies involving high-risk groups: one with young women and teenage girls in South Africa and Uganda, and another with gay men and gender-diverse individuals in several countries. In both cases, the results were striking.

The women who received the shot had zero new HIV infections, compared to around 2% in those on daily pills. In the second study, the twice-yearly shot proved just as effective for men and gender non-conforming individuals.

“This really has the possibility of ending HIV transmission,” said Greg Millett of amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research.

Yeztugo is administered as two small injections in the abdomen, forming a medication "depot" that slowly releases the drug into the body over six months. 

However, people must test negative for HIV before receiving it, as it doesn’t treat existing infections or prevent other sexually transmitted diseases.

<h2>Lenacapavir: Why Access Is A Challenge? </h2>

Despite its potential, concerns remain over who will actually benefit from lenacapavir.

In the US, only about 400,000 people currently use any form of PrEP — a small fraction of those who could benefit. And structural issues like cuts to public health funding, limited insurance access, and stigma pose significant barriers. 

Globally, the challenge is even greater. While Gilead has struck deals with six generic drug makers, including four Indian, to provide low-cost versions of the shot for 120 low-income countries, critics argue that middle-income nations have been left out. 

UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima noted that at current prices, the shot “will change nothing” for many who need it.

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South Africa's National Department of Health has announced that it has received a first consignment of 37,920 doses of the groundbreaking, six-monthly HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir.  Lenacapavir is the first twice-yearly injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) product that can help tackle the burden of HIV worldwide.South Africa has the world's largest HIV-positive population of approximately 8 million people, with over 6 million currently on antiretroviral treatment. “The department will, in the next few weeks, announce the official launch of this game changer where the phased implementation plan will be outlined,” said department spokesperson Foster Mohale, in a statement. "Lenacapavir is preventive medicine, not a vaccine, considered one of the most exciting HIV prevention advances in years," Mohale said.The Department noted that the medicine is expected to be sustain nearly half a million people in South Africa over the next two years, the statement said, adding that is will be officially rolled out in May. Notably, the initial phase will target high-incidence districts and vulnerable groups.What Is Lenacapavir? Lenacapavir is a critical tool for reaching the Global AIDS Strategy goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.  Lenacapavir injection as an additional PrEP option offers a highly effective, long-acting alternative to daily oral pills and other shorter-acting options.With just two doses per year, lenacapavir is a transformative step forward in protecting people at risk of HIV -- particularly those who face challenges with daily adherence, stigma, or access to health care.Marketed under the brand name Yeztugo, lenacapavir, developed by global pharma major Gilead Sciences, costs $28,218 per person per year.However, it is being provided to South Africa through a $29-million USD grant from the Global Fund. The shot was tested in two major studies involving high-risk groups: one with young women and teenage girls in South Africa and Uganda, and another with gay men and gender-diverse individuals in several countries. In both cases, the results were striking. The women who received the shot had zero new HIV infections, compared to around 2% in those on daily pills. In the second study, the twice-yearly shot proved just as effective for men and gender non-conforming individuals. “This really has the possibility of ending HIV transmission,” said Greg Millett of amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research. Lenacapavir: How Does It Work? Yeztugo is administered as two small injections in the abdomen, forming a medication "depot" that slowly releases the drug into the body over six months. However, people must test negative for HIV before receiving it, as it doesn’t treat existing infections or prevent other sexually transmitted diseases.Lenacapavir: Why Access Is A Challenge? Despite its potential, concerns remain over who will actually benefit from lenacapavir. In the US, only about 400,000 people currently use any form of PrEP — a small fraction of those who could benefit. And structural issues like cuts to public health funding, limited insurance access, and stigma pose significant barriers. Globally, the challenge is even greater. While Gilead has struck deals with six generic drug makers, including four Indian, to provide low-cost versions of the shot for 120 low-income countries, critics argue that middle-income nations have been left out. UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima noted that at current prices, the shot “will change nothing” for many who need it.

south africa receives 1st batch of hiv prevention medicine lenacapavir

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