This summer, the European Commission approved the use of Lenacapavir, an injectable medication that protects against HIV for 6 months. The pharmaceutical company Gilead, which markets it in Spain under the brand name Yeituo, claims very high efficacy.
Quim Esteban from the program Plurals i Singulars on Radio 4 spoke with Àngel Rivero, researcher at the Fight Infections Foundation and medical director at BCN Checkpoint, about this new treatment:
Àngel Rivero: “It’s not a vaccine, but it works like one. It’s similar to the PrEP we already know, but with an effect that lasts 6 months. This eliminates the problem of daily adherence that oral pills require.”
Quim Esteban: “So then, is it like a protective layer that prevents the virus from settling inside our cells?”
Àngel Rivero: “Exactly. The virus can enter, but the steps that would allow it to remain inside the cell are inhibited. This completely blocks the infection process.”
Currently, the available options for PrEP in Spain are oral pills. Injectable Lenacapavir offers a much more convenient alternative, with administration every six months and almost guaranteed adherence.
Regarding availability, Àngel Rivero explains that EMA approval means that the studies are recognized, but the medication still needs to undergo price and reimbursement negotiations with governments. Therefore, it may still take time before it is included in the public healthcare system.
The side effects of Lenacapavir are minimal, generally limited to discomfort at the injection site, and it is better tolerated than oral pills.
The introduction of Lenacapavir could represent a major breakthrough in HIV prevention, especially for people who struggle with adherence to daily PrEP.
Listen to the full interview on Plurals i Singulars, Radio 4 (starting at minute 29):
