Vusumuzi Dube
Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
THE Government has expressed support for the recent approval of Lenacapavir, a twice-a-year HIV prevention drug that researchers have concluded can reduce HIV acquisition by 96 percent saying it is a potential game-changer in the global efforts to curb the pandemic.
The advancement in Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) options for HIV-negative individuals was unveiled last week at the recently concluded 5th HIV Research for Prevention Conference (HIVR4P) held in Peru.
Responding to the research results in an interview, Director of the Aids and TB Unit in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Owen Mugurungi, highlighted the significance of this new treatment for Zimbabwe.
“This new prevention injection, Lenacapavir, is welcome in Zimbabwe as we strive to prevent HIV infection. It is indeed a promising intervention that allows people to receive a jab every six months for prevention. If made widely accessible, it could be a transformative opportunity for our communities,” he said.
Dr Mugurungi emphasised that HIV prevention has been a top priority for the ministry, which has expanded access to various prevention methods.
However, challenges have arisen with existing oral PrEP, which is taken daily. “Oral PrEP has proven effective, but its adherence can be problematic. People often take the medication only when they feel most vulnerable. This leads to inconsistent protection and unfortunately, infections,” he noted.
The ministry is hopeful that Lenacapavir’s biannual dosing will enhance adherence, as it requires fewer visits to health facilities than other interventions. Despite its potential benefits, Dr Mugurungi cautioned about challenges related to the drug’s administration.
“The method of delivery is sophisticated; it requires an injection administered by a healthcare professional, which means individuals must visit a health institution. Close monitoring is essential due to potential side effects and initial exposure risks when starting the medication,” he explained.
He highlighted that while the constant use of prevention drugs can lead to resistance, cost remains a critical issue.
“The price of Lenacapavir is a significant concern. In developed countries, it can cost between $200 to $300 per jab. For the general population in Zimbabwe, such costs are prohibitive,” he said.
“The Government’s policy is that all prevention methods must be free for all citizens. If the cost of Lenacapavir remains high, it risks limiting access to only a small segment of the population, undermining the drug’s purpose.”
Dr Mugurungi emphasised that the Government must negotiate to bring down the cost to around $50 per year per person for the drug to be accessible.
“Key populations, including adolescent boys and girls, commercial sex workers, and artisanal miners, who are at higher risk of infection, deserve access to these preventive measures without financial barriers.”
The HIVR4P, is hosted by the International Aids Society, the only global conference dedicated exclusively to HIV prevention research, gathering experts to address pressing challenges and opportunities in the field, including biomedical interventions and their social implications.
The research, named PURPOSE 2, provides new efficacy, safety, and demographic data stemming from extensive trials. Notably, only two participants out of 2 184 in the study acquired HIV throughout its duration.
“These findings confirm that Lenacapavir for PrEP has the potential to transform the global HIV prevention landscape for people of all genders. All stakeholders must work together now, ahead of regulatory approvals, to plan for a rapid, equitable global rollout of this important new prevention tool,” stated Beatriz Grinsztejn, president of the International Aids Society.
Gilead Sciences, the developer of Lenacapavir has been commended for its revolutionary licensing agreements with generic manufacturers aimed at increasing access to the drug in high-incidence and resource-limited countries.
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