US approves Gilead's twice-yearly injection to prevent HIV
Drugs to prevent HIV transmission, known as pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP, have existed for more than a decade. But because they typically require taking a daily pill, they have struggled to make a significant dent in global infections.
"This is a historic day in the decades-long fight against HIV," said Daniel O'Day, Gilead's chairman and chief executive officer, in a statement.
Lenacapavir, marketed under the brand name Yeztugo, has been shown in clinical trials to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by more than 99.9 percent in adults and adolescents -- making it functionally akin to a powerful vaccine.
But optimism may be tempered by the drug's expected eye-watering price tag.
While the company has not disclosed specifics, analysts estimate the US launch price could be as high as $25,000 per year.
Activists are calling for the price to be slashed to $25 per person annually to help end the HIV pandemic.
The approval also comes as President Donald Trump's administration has slashed funding for HIV treatment and prevention programs both overseas and within the United States.
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France 24
2 days ago
- France 24
US approves promising preventive HIV treatment
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved Gilead Sciences lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injvirection, for preventing HIV infection in adults and adolescents at high risk of contracting the deadly virus. Lenacapavir proved nearly 100% effective at preventing HIV in large trials last year, raising new hope of interrupting transmission of the virus that infects 1.3 million people a year.
France 24
2 days ago
- France 24
US approves Gilead's twice-yearly injection to prevent HIV
Drugs to prevent HIV transmission, known as pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP, have existed for more than a decade. But because they typically require taking a daily pill, they have struggled to make a significant dent in global infections. "This is a historic day in the decades-long fight against HIV," said Daniel O'Day, Gilead's chairman and chief executive officer, in a statement. Lenacapavir, marketed under the brand name Yeztugo, has been shown in clinical trials to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by more than 99.9 percent in adults and adolescents -- making it functionally akin to a powerful vaccine. But optimism may be tempered by the drug's expected eye-watering price tag. While the company has not disclosed specifics, analysts estimate the US launch price could be as high as $25,000 per year. Activists are calling for the price to be slashed to $25 per person annually to help end the HIV pandemic. The approval also comes as President Donald Trump's administration has slashed funding for HIV treatment and prevention programs both overseas and within the United States.
LeMonde
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- LeMonde
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