New York [US], June 20: The U.S. has approved the world's only twice-a-year shot to prevent HIV, the first step in an anticipated global rollout that could protect millions - although it's unclear how many in the U.S. and abroad will get access to the powerful new option.
While a vaccine to prevent HIV still is needed, some experts say the shot made by Gilead Sciences - a drug called lenacapavir - could be the next best thing. It nearly eliminated new infections in two groundbreaking studies of people at high risk, better than daily preventive pills they can forget to take.
"This really has the possibility of ending HIV transmission," said Greg Millett, public policy director at amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research.
Condoms help guard against HIV infection if used properly but what's called PrEP - regularly using preventive medicines such as the daily pills or a different shot given every two months - is increasingly important. Lenacapavir's six-month protection makes it the longest-lasting type, an option that could attract people wary of more frequent doctor visits or stigma from daily pills.
But upheaval in U.S. healthcare - including cuts to public health agencies and Medicaid - and slashing of American foreign aid to fight HIV are clouding the prospects.
Source: Fijian Broadcasting Corporation
