New HIV prevention shot shows high efficacy, but access concerns loom for Latin America.

A new twice-yearly HIV prevention shot, lenacapavir (Sunlenca), shows near-perfect effectiveness in preventing HIV in women and nearly as effective in men. Gilead, the drugmaker, plans to seek authorization for its use in prevention and has agreed to allow cheap generics in 120 low-income countries. However, most of Latin America is excluded from this deal, raising concerns about access despite rising infection rates there. The drug could be particularly beneficial for marginalized groups like gay men, sex workers, and young women.

December 01, 2024
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