Closest Vaccine Against AIDS Virus: Twice-Yearly Shot Shows Promise
100% Effective in Preventing HIV Infections
The twice-yearly shot, developed by Gilead, has been called the closest the world has ever come to a vaccine against the AIDS virus. The shot was 100% effective in preventing HIV infections in a study of women, and results published Wednesday show it worked nearly as well in men.
Global Access to the Shot
Gilead has announced that it will allow cheap, generic versions of the shot to be sold in 120 poor countries with high HIV rates, mostly in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean. However, it has excluded nearly all of Latin America, where rates are far lower but increasing, sparking concern the world is missing a critical opportunity to stop the disease.
UNAIDS Executive Director’s Statement
Winnie Byanyima, executive director of UNAIDS, credited Gilead for developing the drug, but said the world’s ability to stop AIDS hinges on its use in at-risk countries. "This is so far superior to any other prevention method we have, that it’s unprecedented," she said.
Global HIV Epidemic
In a report issued to mark World AIDS Day on Sunday, UNAIDS said that the number of AIDS deaths last year – an estimated 630,000 – was at its lowest since peaking in 2004, suggesting the world is now at "a historic crossroads" and has a chance to end the epidemic.
Sunlenca: A New Hope
The drug, called lenacapavir, is already sold under the brand name Sunlenca to treat HIV infections in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and elsewhere. The company plans to seek authorization soon for Sunlenca to be used for HIV prevention.
Advantages of the Shot
Experts say the Gilead twice-yearly shots would be particularly useful for marginalized people often fearful of seeking care, including gay men, sex workers, and young women. "It would be a miracle for these groups because it means they just have to show up twice a year at a clinic and then they’re protected," said Byanyima.
Concerns and Controversy
However, the exclusion of most Latin American countries from the generics deal has sparked controversy. Byanyima said that to deny these countries access to the drug is "unconscionable." Other countries, including Brazil, Peru, and Argentina, were also excluded from the research.
Conclusion
The twice-yearly shot, Sunlenca, has shown promise in preventing HIV infections. However, the controversy surrounding its availability in Latin America highlights the need for greater access to HIV prevention and treatment options worldwide.
FAQs
Q: What is Sunlenca?
A: Sunlenca is a twice-yearly shot developed by Gilead to prevent HIV infections.
Q: How effective is Sunlenca?
A: Sunlenca was 100% effective in preventing HIV infections in a study of women and nearly as effective in men.
Q: Which countries will have access to generic Sunlenca?
A: Gilead has announced that it will allow cheap, generic versions of the shot to be sold in 120 poor countries with high HIV rates, mostly in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean.
Q: Why was Latin America excluded from the generics deal?
A: Gilead has not provided a clear reason for excluding most Latin American countries from the generics deal, sparking controversy and concern.
Q: What is the cost of Sunlenca?
A: The cost of Sunlenca varies depending on the country. In some countries, it can cost up to $40,000 per year, while experts have calculated that it could be produced for as little as $40 per treatment once generic production expands to cover 10 million people.
