In a major development in global HIV prevention, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV. The landmark decision opens new avenues in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, especially for populations with limited access to daily oral medication.
As the approval garners worldwide attention, public health experts and activists are calling on India to proactively lead the efforts for equitable, timely access to Lenacapavir, especially for at-risk communities across South Asia.
What is Lenacapavir?
Lenacapavir is a first-in-class capsid inhibitor developed by Gilead Sciences, designed to prevent HIV infection. Unlike existing PrEP options that require daily oral pills, Lenacapavir is administered just once every six months, making it a game-changer in HIV prevention — particularly for marginalized groups facing stigma, accessibility issues, or adherence challenges.
Why India’s Role is Crucial
Dr. Anjali Rawat, an infectious disease specialist based in New Delhi, noted:
“India has historically played a key role in scaling up access to affordable antiretroviral therapy. Now, with Lenacapavir’s approval, we must push for swift regulatory clearance, price negotiations, and local manufacturing to avoid delays.”
India houses one of the largest populations living with or vulnerable to HIV. According to UNAIDS, over 2.4 million people live with HIV in India, with key affected populations including sex workers, MSM (men who have sex with men), transgender individuals, and intravenous drug users.
Equity, Affordability, and Access
Global health advocates stress the need to prevent Lenacapavir from becoming another case of “medical apartheid” — where life-saving innovations are accessible only to high-income countries. The challenge lies not only in approval but also in affordable pricing, distribution infrastructure, and community awareness.
Experts suggest a public-private partnership model where the Indian government works with pharmaceutical companies and NGOs to ensure the drug reaches those who need it most.
A Step Toward Ending HIV by 2030
Lenacapavir’s approval is being hailed as a critical step toward achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals and ultimately ending the HIV epidemic by 2030. For India to meet this goal, adopting such innovations swiftly and inclusively will be key.
✅ FAQs
Q1: What is Lenacapavir and how does it prevent HIV?
A: Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable drug that prevents HIV infection. It is administered once every six months and works by inhibiting the HIV capsid protein, blocking the virus from replicating in the body.
Q2: Has Lenacapavir been approved by the US FDA?
A: Yes, the US FDA has approved Lenacapavir for use as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drug, marking a significant advancement in HIV prevention methods.
Q3: Why is Lenacapavir considered a game-changer in HIV prevention?
A: Unlike traditional PrEP pills that must be taken daily, Lenacapavir requires just two injections per year, improving adherence and accessibility, especially for marginalized or high-risk populations.
Q4: What is the significance of Lenacapavir for India?
A: With over 2.4 million people living with HIV, experts believe India should expedite regulatory approval and ensure affordable, equitable distribution of Lenacapavir to help prevent new infections.
published on 21st june
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