Here’s what to know about the twice-yearly preventative HIV shot
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New preventative shot could ‘end HIV transmission’
- The Food And Drug Administration has approved lenacapavir, a new twice-yearly injectable drug for HIV prevention.
- This new medication is the longest-lasting type of PrEP available, offering a significant advantage over daily pills or bi-monthly shots.
- Studies demonstrated lenacapavir's high effectiveness, with no HIV infections in participants receiving the shot in a study involving women and teen girls, and similar efficacy in gay men and gender-nonconforming people.
- Advocates believe the drug has the potential to end HIV transmission by expanding prevention opportunities and improving adherence, as users only need two injections per year.
- Despite its effectiveness, concerns remain about widespread access due to challenges in the U.S. healthcare system, including cuts to public health agencies and foreign aid for HIV initiatives.