New drug 'lenacapavir' 100% effective in preventing HIV infections
A groundbreaking clinical trial brings hope to the fight against HIV, specifically for young women in Africa.
Photo: Unsplash/Diana Polekhina
Lester Kiewit speaks with Dr Yashna Singh of the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre at Groote Schuur.
Listen below.
Clinical trials in Uganda and South Africa are testing the efficacy of a six-monthly injection to prevent HIV infection.
The trial compares the impact of a six-month injection of lenacapavir compared to daily pills as a form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to protect against HIV.
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In the trial's first phase, lenacapavir was 100% effective, whereas the daily pills were just over 98% effective.
“That is truly unprecedented.”
- Dr Yashna Singh, Desmond Tutu HIV Centre - Groote Schuur
The trial was conducted on young women, who bear the brunt of new HIV infections.
“This is huge for young women, especially in South Africa.”
- Dr Yashna Singh, Desmond Tutu HIV Centre - Groote Schuur
In South Africa, a lot of young women do not have access to daily PrEP, and power imbalances in relationships can lead to difficulties with condom use.
Singh says this discrete injection that only needs to be taken twice a year can make it much easier for women in these situations to protect themselves.
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.