A long-lasting injectable medication called lenacapavir could soon help Kenyans at high risk of HIV, pending approval by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Unlike traditional oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) that requires daily doses, lenacapavir is taken only twice a year. This advancement may improve HIV prevention by reducing the need for daily adherence.
Lenacapavir, developed by Gilead Sciences, blocks HIV from entering and replicating in the body. In clinical trials, the drug reduced HIV infections by 96 percent. Out of more than 2,000 participants in the second trial phase, only two contracted the virus.
According to the company’s Chief Medical Officer, the trials demonstrated the drug’s effectiveness, with no infections reported among users during testing.
Experts believe lenacapavir could overcome adherence issues common with oral PrEP. Collen Kelley from Emory University noted that because the injection is given every six months, it may be easier for people to stay on treatment. Linda-Gail Bekker from the Desmond Tutu HIV Center added that lenacapavir could reduce the stigma linked to daily HIV prevention pills and improve patient compliance.
However, concerns over the drug’s cost could limit its accessibility, particularly in low-resource countries. Experts emphasize that pricing and a steady supply chain are essential to ensure widespread availability. Initial estimates suggest each dose may cost around Ksh. 5,180, making affordability a major challenge in Africa.
To expand access, Gilead Sciences has partnered with six companies to produce generic versions of lenacapavir for 120 developing countries. Kenya and Zambia are expected to lead pilot projects aimed at increasing demand for the drug and lowering prices. The injectable PrEP has already been approved in the United States and Europe, and regulatory processes in 18 high-HIV-burden countries are expected to begin by year-end.
By Newshub