EU approves new injection for preventing HIV infection • FRANCE 24 English

It is a drug that could transform the fight against AIDS. With 99.9% efficacy, the long-acting treatment known as Lenicapir or Yato requires just two injections a year, making it an attractive alternative to most anti-retroviral drugs that require daily tablets. It has just been given the green light in the European Union in what its developer Gilead Sciences called a major milestone across the region and in their work to help end the epidemic. It has also generated enthusiasm with specialists. With around 25,000 new HIV diagnoses in the EU and European economic area every year, it’s clear the current prevention options are not working for everyone who needs or wants them, especially among vulnerable populations. However, it will come with a cost. Prices have not yet been finalized, but they could reach more than $28,000 per year per patient. The drug has been on the market in the United States since June, where it has drawn criticism for its hefty price tag. Analysis from the University of Liverpool, reported here in the Guardian, found it could be made for only $25 a year, including a 30% profit margin. Gilead has signed agreements with several generic companies to manufacture and supply lowcost versions in 120 lowincome countries and has promised to provide doses for 2 million people in the meantime. But the World Health Organization says some 10 million people will need to take HIV prevention drugs to drastically reduce infections.

The European Commission has granted marketing authorization for Gilead Sciences’ twice-yearly injection for preventing HIV infection, the company said on Tuesday. Story by Eliza Herbert.
#health #HIV #Europe

🔔 Subscribe to France 24 now: https://f24.my/YTen
🔴 LIVE – Watch FRANCE 24 English 24/7 here: https://f24.my/YTliveEN

🌍 Read the latest International News and Top Stories: https://www.france24.com/en/

Like us on Facebook: https://f24.my/FBen
Follow us on X: https://f24.my/Xen
Bluesky: https://f24.my/BSen and Threads: https://f24.my/THen
Browse the news in pictures on Instagram: https://f24.my/IGen
Discover our TikTok videos: https://f24.my/TKen
Get the latest top stories on Telegram: https://f24.my/TGen

4 comments

Comments are closed.