European Medicines Agency Supports Groundbreaking HIV Prevention Drug
LONDON — The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has taken a significant step by recommending the approval of a new injectable medication aimed at preventing HIV. This drug, called lenacapavir and marketed as Yeytuo in Europe, has been deemed “highly effective” and is considered crucial for public health.
Once the European Commission gives its approval, lenacapavir will be available in all 27 EU member countries, as well as Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein. This new treatment option has captured the attention of health experts due to its nearly 100% effectiveness in halting HIV transmission among both women and men.
Winnie Byanyima, head of the U.N. AIDS organization, expressed optimism, stating that lenacapavir could significantly alter the course of the HIV epidemic if distributed widely.
In June, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized lenacapavir for HIV prevention. Recently, the World Health Organization also recommended that countries consider this drug as an additional tool for those at risk.
While traditional methods like condoms are important for preventing HIV, lenacapavir offers a unique advantage. Its six-month protection period makes it the longest-lasting option currently available, which could attract those hesitant about frequent health clinic visits or the stigma attached to daily medication.
However, not everyone is convinced that lenacapavir will be accessible enough to effectively combat global HIV outbreaks. The drug’s manufacturer, Gilead, has pledged to allow generic versions in 120 low-income countries, primarily in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean. Unfortunately, Latin America, with rising HIV rates, is largely excluded from this plan, raising concerns that a crucial opportunity to counter the disease may be overlooked.
According to UNAIDS, about 630,000 people died from AIDS last year, and more than 40 million are living with HIV worldwide. Some have suggested that a deal with Gilead could enable the widespread production of lenacapavir, potentially providing this transformative drug to many who need it.
As this situation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring that groundbreaking treatments like lenacapavir become available to those at risk, ultimately aiming to end the HIV epidemic.
