New Twice-Yearly HIV Shot Approved, Offering Hope Amidst Healthcare Challenges

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a twice-yearly preventive HIV shot, potentially offering protection to a large population. Individuals at risk of HIV have previously relied on PrEP, a medication designed to prevent HIV infection. PrEP has been available as a daily pill or an injection administered every two months. This new drug, lenacapavir, represents the longest-lasting form of PrEP currently available.

Ian Haddock, a participant in a study of the drug, highlighted its potential to broaden prevention opportunities. He noted the convenience of the new method, eliminating the need to carry a pill bottle. The shot, developed by Gilead Sciences, is administered under the skin of the abdomen, creating a medication depot that is slowly absorbed into the body.

Experts believe this new approach could significantly impact HIV transmission rates. However, challenges within the U.S. healthcare system, including budget cuts to public health agencies and Medicaid, along with reductions in foreign aid for HIV programs, are creating obstacles. These issues could hinder efforts to ensure people receive the lenacapavir shot and return for their follow-up appointments.

Gilead's drug is already available to treat HIV under the brand name Sunlenca. The prevention dose will be marketed under a different name, Yeztugo. The price of the drug has not been announced. It is important to note that the drug only prevents HIV transmission and does not protect against other sexually transmitted diseases.

Global efforts to end the HIV pandemic by 2030 have faced setbacks. The U.S. continues to see over 30,000 new infections annually, with approximately 1.3 million new infections worldwide. Only a small percentage of Americans at risk currently utilize PrEP. Studies have shown that states with high PrEP usage have experienced a decrease in HIV infections, while rates have continued to rise elsewhere.

Women account for about half of new infections, often requiring discreet protection. A study in South Africa and Uganda compared the twice-yearly lenacapavir shot to daily pills in over 5,300 young women and teen girls. The results showed no HIV infections in those receiving the shot, while about 2% of the comparison group contracted HIV. A second study demonstrated the shot's effectiveness in gay men and gender-nonconforming individuals in the U.S. and other countries with high HIV prevalence.

Haddock, who leads a nonprofit serving Black LGBTQ+ communities, has used PrEP intermittently since 2015. He participated in the lenacapavir study and continues with the twice-yearly shots. He emphasized the expanded prevention opportunities for all individuals, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. The convenience of the six-month clinic visits provides a significant advantage over the constant need to discuss condoms or remember to take a daily pill.

Experts emphasize the need for accessible and effective PrEP options for everyone at risk of HIV.