Can a Twice-Yearly Shot Help End AIDS? Here's What You Need to Know
The world stands at a pivotal moment in the fight against AIDS, thanks to a breakthrough medication called Sunlenca. This twice-yearly shot has shown unprecedented effectiveness in preventing HIV, but its availability raises questions about equitable access, especially in Latin America.
A Revolutionary Step Forward
Sunlenca, also known as lenacapavir, is being hailed as the closest thing to a vaccine against HIV. In recent studies, it was 100% effective in preventing infections among women and nearly as effective in men.
Unlike daily pills, condoms, or bi-monthly shots, Sunlenca offers a simpler solution—just two clinic visits a year to stay protected. This makes it particularly beneficial for marginalized groups, who often face barriers to accessing consistent care such as
- Gay men
- Sex workers
- Young women
Lenacapavir, marketed as Sunlenca, is a prescription antiretroviral drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating HIV infection in adults who meet specific criteria and for whom other HIV treatments have been ineffective. It can be administered either orally or via subcutaneous injection.
Lenacapavir received approval for medical use in the European Union in August 2022, in Canada in November 2022, and in the United States in December 2022. Notably, it is the first capsid inhibitor approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for HIV/AIDS treatment.
The Access Dilemma
While Sunlenca is set to roll out as an affordable generic in 120 low-income countries, most of Latin America has been left out. The drugmaker, Gilead, prioritised regions with the highest HIV burden, such as
- Africa
- Southeast Asia
- Caribbean
This exclusion has sparked outrage, especially as HIV rates in Latin America continue to rise. Advocates argue that this is a missed opportunity to stop the epidemic in a region where stigma and lack of access to healthcare still pose significant challenges.
Stories from Latin America
Take Luis Ruvalcaba, a 32-year-old man from Mexico, who participated in the Sunlenca study. Fearful of discrimination, he avoided asking for daily prevention pills but found the twice-yearly shot a game-changer.
Similarly, trans artist Hannya Danielle Torres, who also participated in the study, hopes the government will make the drug widely available, highlighting the disparity between Mexico’s wealthy elite and its most vulnerable populations.
Why Latin America Matters
Experts warn that rising HIV rates among gay men, transgender individuals, and sex workers in Latin America constitute a public health emergency. Advocacy groups from several countries, including Peru and Colombia, have called on Gilead to expand access to generics in the region.
Dr. Chris Beyrer of Duke University emphasizes that while Africa and Asia bear the brunt of the HIV epidemic, Latin America cannot be overlooked, given its growing infection rates.
The Push for Affordable Access
In response to limited access, some are urging Latin American governments to issue compulsory licenses, a strategy used during past HIV treatment crises. This would allow the production of generic versions of Sunlenca without waiting for Gilead’s approval.
For example, Colombia recently took such a step for another HIV treatment, Tivicay, setting a precedent for other countries to follow.
A Historic Opportunity
With more than 1 million new HIV infections each year globally, experts like UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima believe Sunlenca is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change the trajectory of the epidemic.
“The missing piece now is how we get it to everyone who needs it,” said Dr. Salim Abdool Karim, an AIDS expert from South Africa.
The Path Ahead
As nations grapple with the challenges of cost, stigma, and access, the rollout of Sunlenca could mark the beginning of the end for AIDS. But success will depend on ensuring that no one is left behind regardless of geography or income.
Source:
1. Inputs from various media Sources
