HIV Drug Offers Hope for Ending AIDS, But Access Remains Crucial

UNAIDS Calls for Equitable Distribution

GENEVA, 10 July 2024 - The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has hailed the release of new data showing that a new HIV drug, lenacapavir, can provide total protection against HIV infections. However, UNAIDS warns that the drug's potential can only be fully realized if it is made accessible to all who need it.

100% Efficacy in Phase III Trials

The drug, lenacapavir, is administered as a twice-yearly injection and has demonstrated 100% efficacy in Phase III clinical trials. This is the first time that a single drug has been shown to be so effective in preventing HIV infection.

The announcement of the drug's efficacy was met with a standing ovation at the International AIDS Conference in Geneva. Researchers from Gilead, the company that developed lenacapavir, presented the data from the Phase III PURPOSE 1 trial.

Equitable Access Essential

UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima welcomed the news but stressed that access to the drug is crucial. "This new HIV drug offers hope for ending AIDS," said Byanyima. "But it is essential that this hope is not confined to the wealthiest countries or those with the best health systems. We must ensure that everyone who needs this drug has access to it."

Byanyima called for governments and pharmaceutical companies to work together to make lenacapavir affordable and accessible to all.