Lenacapavir: could new HIV drug help end the pandemic?
Jul 23, 2024
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Exploring the potential of Lenacapavir, a new HIV drug with a 100% success rate, and the challenges of pricing for those in poor countries. Discussing the evolution of HIV treatment, adherence challenges, and the importance of affordable medication. Looking at expanding access to the drug in Africa through advocacy and licensing agreements.
Lenacapavir offers hope for affordable and effective HIV treatment.
Challenges in pricing and accessibility must be addressed for global impact of new HIV drugs.
Deep dives
Ntimwe Mpamba: Africa's Longest Survivor of HIV
Ntimwe Mpamba, born with HIV 42 years ago, believed to be Africa's longest survivor. He only discovered his condition at 23, having spent three-quarters of his life in hospitals due to the virus. Initially facing a strenuous anti-retroviral regime, advancements led to a one-day tablet, with Ntimwe being a research participant for its introduction. The podcast highlights his journey and the potential impact of new drugs like Lenacapavir on combatting HIV.
Lenacapavir: A Game-Changing HIV Medication
Lenacapavir, an antiretroviral injection, has shown promising results with a 100% success rate in trials. This drug, requiring only biannual administration, targets the HIV virus capsid, preventing its replication and spread within human cells. The podcast discusses its potential to revolutionize HIV treatment and prevention, with trials emphasizing efficacy in high-incidence regions like South Africa and Uganda for impactful results.
Affordable Access to Lenacapavir in Sub-Saharan Africa
Dr. Andrew Hill of the University of Liverpool estimates that mass-producing Lenacapavir could cost as low as $40 per person annually, making it accessible to low and middle-income regions where HIV prevalence is high. The podcast highlights the importance of affordable pricing and regulatory approvals to ensure widespread availability. Advocates like Jackie Wamboy emphasize the need for transparency in pricing and a commitment to facilitating access for those most affected by HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“That will be a miracle on its own because when I started taking ARVs I began with 20 tablets.”
In June, the US drug company Gilead announced that a trial of its HIV drug Lenacapavir had got a 100% success rate.
The drug - a twice-yearly injection – can be used to protect people from catching the virus, but also to treat those who have it.
But the question of pricing remains – with people in poor countries unable to afford the current price tag of $40,000 per person per year. One analysis has suggested it could be mass produced as a generic drug for about $40 per person per year.
In this episode of Africa Daily podcast Peter Musembi speaks to Dr Moupali Das who oversees the development of HIV prevention drugs at Gilead – and also gets reaction with two people living with HIV.
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