Study Finds Twice-Yearly AIDS Injections Effective

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that twice-yearly injections of lenacapavir, developed by Gilead Sciences, were 100% effective in preventing new HIV infections among over 2,100 young women and girls in South Africa and Uganda. In contrast, approximately 2% of participants who took daily prevention pills, such as Truvada, contracted HIV. The study was terminated early due to its positive results, which were also discussed at the 2024 International AIDS Conference in Munich. Experts hailed the findings as revolutionary, noting that the injections could reduce stigma associated with daily pill regimens and improve adherence rates, which have been a challenge in Africa. However, concerns arise regarding the affordability of the treatment, with Gilead yet to finalize pricing for the injections. The potential impact of this breakthrough could be significant, particularly for high-risk populations in sub-Saharan Africa.