An innovative injectable HIV drug with a novel mechanism has been named Breakthrough of the Year by the influential U.S. journal “Science”. The drug, known as lenacapavir, offers protection against HIV infection for six months with each shot, marking a significant advancement in HIV prevention and treatment.
Lenacapavir targets the structure and function of HIV’s capsid protein, a protective cone around the viral RNA. Unlike traditional HIV drugs that disrupt viral enzymes by binding to their active sites, lenacapavir interacts directly with the capsid proteins, offering a new approach in combating the virus.
Developed by American biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences, lenacapavir has generated hope among HIV/AIDS researchers worldwide. When used as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), it has the potential to significantly reduce global infection rates and drive progress toward ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
A large efficacy trial conducted among African adolescent girls and young women reported in June that lenacapavir shots reduced HIV infections to zero, demonstrating 100 percent efficacy, according to “Science”. This remarkable outcome underscores the drug’s potential in high-risk populations.
However, the widespread use of lenacapavir PrEP depends on factors such as access, delivery, and demand. Regulatory approval is not expected until mid-2025 at the earliest, indicating that timely coordination among stakeholders is crucial to ensure the drug reaches those in need.
In addition to lenacapavir, “Science” highlighted several other groundbreaking developments in its annual list of breakthroughs. These include advances in unleashing immune cells on autoimmune diseases, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope probing the cosmic dawn, the introduction of the first RNA-based pesticide, and the discovery of unique nitrogen-fixing compartments in marine algae cells. Other notable mentions are the emergence of a new type of magnetism, discoveries suggesting simple multicellular eukaryotes dating back 1.6 billion years, insights into how mantle waves sculpt continents, SpaceX Starship’s successful “chopstick” landing, and ancient DNA revealing family ties.
Lenacapavir’s recognition as Breakthrough of the Year signals a promising step forward in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. As researchers and health organizations await regulatory approvals, there is cautious optimism that this innovative drug will play a pivotal role in reducing infection rates and improving the lives of millions worldwide.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
