Kenyans at high risk of exposure to HIV may soon gain access to a new long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) currently awaiting approval from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The drug, called lenacapavir, is under review for initial approval by the World Health Organization (WHO). Unlike daily oral PrEP pills, lenacapavir is administered twice a year, offering long-lasting protection.
Lenacapavir works by blocking the virus from entering and replicating in the body. This innovative treatment was highlighted during the International AIDS Society’s HIV Research for Prevention Conference in Peru last month.
Produced by the American pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences, lenacapavir has shown exceptional promise, with clinical trials indicating a 100% effectiveness rate in some cases, according to Gileadâs Chief Medical Officer, Merdad Parsey.
Trials revealed a 96% reduction in new HIV cases among participants, with only two infections reported out of more than 2,000 people involved. Experts have emphasized that affordability will be crucial in ensuring widespread access to the drug. Emory Universityâs Collen Kelley expressed hope that lenacapavirâs twice-yearly dosing could solve the adherence issues faced with daily oral PrEP.
The drugâs infrequent dosing schedule is especially beneficial for individuals with limited access to healthcare services, making it easier to maintain consistent use. Linda-Gail Bekker, Director of the Desmond Tutu HIV Center in South Africa, noted that the injectable format could also reduce stigma associated with daily medication, further improving adherence rates.
Despite its potential, pricing concerns could limit accessibility in resource-limited countries. Health experts warn that an affordable drug supply is essential to maintain trust and ensure consistent availability. Hasina Subedar, a senior health advisor in South Africa, highlighted that for the drug to be effective globally, it must be both affordable and widely accessible, with an estimated annual cost of Ksh. 5,180 per dose.
To address cost barriers, Gilead has partnered with six companies to produce generic versions of lenacapavir for 120 developing countries. Kenya and Zambia are among the first African nations expected to pilot the drug due to their established HIV prevention programs, said Mitchel Warren, Director of the Aids Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC).
Lenacapavir has already been approved for use in the United States and Europe. Gilead, in collaboration with the European Medicines for All initiative, plans to expedite regulatory approval in 18 high-HIV-burden countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria, South Africa, Malawi, and Zambia. AVAC emphasized the importance of ensuring at least one million people in developing nations gain access to this injectable PrEP during its first year of rollout.
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By Kenyans