Game-changer HIV shot approved in US may enter Canada by 2026; Just two injections a year
A twice-a-year injectable drug being hailed as a breakthrough in
HIV
prevention could be available in
Canada
as early as mid-2026, offering new hope in the fight against the virus.
The drug,
lenacapavir
, developed by
Gilead Sciences
, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). It is the first and only HIV prevention medication that requires just two doses per year. Gilead Canada submitted the drug to Health Canada in April for review, which was accepted earlier this month.
Lenacapavir was approved in Canada in 2022 for treatment, but this is the first time it's under review for prevention.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Free P2,000 GCash eGift
UnionBank Credit Card
Apply Now
Undo
'This is absolutely a monumental advance in prevention,' said Peter Newman, a professor at the University of Toronto whose work focuses on HIV prevention. 'It's certainly cost-effective in the long run because you're going to prevent a lot of cases of new HIV.'
How does it work
Live Events
Lenacapavir works by creating a slow-release 'depot' of medicine under the skin, delivering protection for six months. Clinical trials showed near-total effectiveness: among more than 2,000 high-risk women in Africa, zero new infections were recorded. In another trial among gay and bisexual men and transgender women, only two infections occurred, both in participants who were already HIV-positive before the injection.
Very expensive
Gilead's US list price is $28,218 a year, sparking concerns about access and affordability, especially for marginalized groups. 'We could get a lot of interest, but if people can't afford it, it's dead in the water,' O'Byrne said.
Currently in Canada, 54 percent of PrEP prescriptions are paid for by private insurance and 43 percent by public programs, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. Gilead says it will work with both public and private payers to 'accelerate availability and access.'
If approved, the shot will only be available through healthcare providers, doctors, or nurses. But experts argue it should be expanded to include pharmacists and nurse practitioners, especially to increase access in remote or underserved areas.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
31 minutes ago
- Time of India
Alberta court halts ban on gender affirming care for youth as Premier vows to fight decision
A judge's decision last week to temporarily block Alberta 's new law banning gender-affirming care for youth under 16 has sparked a deep and emotional debate, one that centers not just on legal arguments, but on the real lives of vulnerable young people. Justice Allison Kuntz granted the injunction, warning that halting access to puberty blockers and hormone therapy could inflict 'irreparable harm,' including forcing children through irreversible physical changes that don't align with their identity. 'The evidence shows that singling out health care for gender diverse youth will cause irreparable harm,' she wrote. Premier Danielle Smith countered forcefully during her radio show on June 28, stating, 'I feel there will be irreparable harm to children who get sterilized at the age of 10; we want those kids to have their day in court.' She emphasized the government's strategy as a precaution: preserving fertility until adulthood and cautioning against premature 'life-altering decisions.' The Premier described her approach as 'solid, measured, evidence-based—and on the side of kids.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like เทรดทองCFDsกับโบรกเกอร์ที่เชื่อถือได้| เปิดบัญชีวันนี้ IC Markets สมัคร Undo Behind the courtroom rhetoric are dozens of health-care professionals and families urging Alberta to reconsider. Doctors explain that puberty blockers, used since the 1980s, even for cisgender children, are reversible and often life-saving. Studies show they reduce long-term mental health risks when started at ages 14–15. Trans youth advocacy groups agree. Bennett Jensen of Egale Canada, which helped initiate the court challenge alongside the Skipping Stone Foundation, said the injunction provides 'huge relief' for the five youth (ages 6–11) named in the case. Live Events NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi celebrated the court's decision as 'a great day for young Albertans who simply want to live authentically and safely,' calling the law 'demonizing vulnerable kids'. Federal Health Minister Mark Holland called the policy 'deeply disturbing,' warning it risks children's safety and urged dialogue with Alberta's government . Why this matters Alberta's legislation, first introduced in late 2024, was part of a larger package also affecting school pronouns and trans inclusion in sports. It passed the legislature in December but awaited full proclamation. The legal battle now moves upward. The court injunction offers temporary protection, but the core question of whether provincial governments can bar access to gender-affirming care without violating the Charter of Rights will be decided by a higher court.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Horoscope Today, June 29, 2025: Wellness Predictions for Every Zodiac Sign
Check out the daily horoscopes and discover how the stars could be speaking about your health and well-being. Get personalized qualities for all twelve zodiac signs-from Aries and Taurus-Gemini and beyond-into reflections as to how celestial interference might oppose their energy, balance, and well-being. Aries Daily Horoscope Today : Health Insights for June 29, 2025 Today, listen carefully before trying to solve any health issues. Sometimes your body or mind needs you to understand what is truly going on before jumping to fix it. Take time to feel your energy and notice any discomfort or tension. When you listen with patience, you find the right way to care for yourself. Avoid rushing and trust that answers come from gentle attention. Your health improves when you honour your feelings fully. Today's Health Advice: Listen deeply to your body before acting. Taurus Daily Horoscope Today : Health Insights for June 29, 2025 One breath can shift your entire energy today. When you feel tired or stressed, pause and take a slow, deep breath. This simple act can calm your mind and refresh your body instantly. Breath is a powerful tool for healing and balance. Use it whenever you feel overwhelmed or restless. With each mindful breath, your health strengthens, and your mood lifts. Remember, your breath is always with you, ready to support your wellbeing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Today's Health Advice: Take deep breaths to calm and refresh yourself. Gemini Daily Horoscope Today: Health Insights for June 29, 2025 The path to better health clears when you stop forcing it. Trying too hard can create tension in your body and mind. Instead, relax and trust your natural rhythms. Let your body guide you gently towards rest, movement, or nourishment. When you ease the pressure and listen softly, solutions and energy come naturally. Today, focus on flow rather than control. Your wellness grows best when you allow space for it to happen. Today's Health Advice: Relax and let your body guide you naturally. Cancer Daily Horoscope Today: Health Insights for June 29, 2025 You don't need to prove anything to anyone—just be true to yourself. Today, honour your feelings and needs without pressure or judgement. Your health benefits when you live authentically and avoid stress from trying to please others. Be gentle with your body and mind, giving yourself permission to rest or express emotions honestly. Truth and self-acceptance bring you peace and healing more than any effort to impress. Today's Health Advice: Be honest with yourself; rest when needed. Leo Daily Horoscope Today: Health Insights for June 29, 2025 A gentle rhythm brings powerful results today. You don't need to rush or push hard to improve your health. Small, steady actions—like a daily walk or mindful breathing—create lasting strength. When you move with calm and patience, your body responds with energy and balance. Trust the slow, steady beat of your own pace. This rhythm nourishes both mind and body deeply, helping you feel strong and grounded. Today's Health Advice: Follow a steady routine for lasting health benefits. Virgo Daily Horoscope Today: Health Insights for June 29, 2025 Show up for yourself today, even if it's quietly. Your health journey doesn't need grand gestures. Small acts of self-care like drinking water, resting a bit, or stretching count a lot. Being present for your body, even gently, builds resilience and wellbeing. Avoid pressure to be perfect; just your honest effort matters most. Quiet presence creates strong foundations for wellness. Today's Health Advice: Be present with yourself through small, kind actions. Libra Daily Horoscope Today: Health Insights for June 29, 2025 Be honest about what drains your energy today. Whether it's stress, people, or habits, recognising these helps you protect your health better. Don't ignore signs of tiredness or overwhelm. Saying no or taking breaks is not selfish—it's necessary for your balance. Your well-being improves when you set clear limits and care for your mental peace. Honour your feelings and choose rest when needed. Today's Health Advice: Recognise and limit what drains your energy today. Scorpio Daily Horoscope Today: Health Insights for June 29, 2025 Celebrate tiny victories—they build big change over time. Every healthy choice you make, even if small, strengthens your body and mind. Maybe it's one extra glass of water or a few minutes of calm breathing. These small wins add up and create lasting wellness. Appreciate your effort and patience today. Your health journey is a series of small steps that lead to powerful transformation. Today's Health Advice: Acknowledge small wins; they boost your wellness daily. Sagittarius Daily Horoscope Today: Health Insights for June 29, 2025 The most important connection today is with yourself. Take time to check in with your feelings and body. When you listen deeply, you understand what your mind and body truly need. This self-connection helps you make choices that support your health and peace. Avoid distractions and be kind to yourself. Nourish your soul with quiet moments and gentle care. The stronger your relationship with yourself, the better your overall wellness will be. Today's Health Advice: Connect with yourself; nourish your mind and body. Capricorn Daily Horoscope Today: Health Insights for June 29, 2025 Let go of what no longer reflects your truth today. Holding on to old habits or thoughts that drain your energy affects your health. Release what feels heavy or unnecessary, whether it is stress, negativity, or physical tension. This process creates space for new energy and healing to enter your life. Trust that releasing is part of your wellness journey. Today's Health Advice: Release old burdens to make space for healing. Aquarius Daily Horoscope Today: Health Insights for June 29, 2025 What you're learning now will soon be useful for your health and wellbeing. Stay curious and open to new ideas, even if they seem small or slow to work. Your body and mind are absorbing important lessons that will guide you to better habits. Trust the process of learning and practicing. Patience today brings long-term benefits. Keep observing yourself gently and apply what feels right. Today's Health Advice: Embrace learning; it strengthens your health gradually. Pisces Daily Horoscope Today: Health Insights for June 29, 2025 Try again today, this time with more grace and kindness toward yourself. Maybe some health goals didn't go as planned before, but that's okay. Approach yourself gently, without harsh judgment. Every new effort is a fresh chance to grow stronger and healthier. Forgive past mistakes and focus on steady progress. Your body and mind respond well to patience and love. This grace fuels your healing journey beautifully. Today's Health Advice: Be gentle; approach health goals with kindness. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Personal tragedy moves city man to help job aspirants train the ‘right' way
1 2 Bhubaneswar: Losing his 22-year-old son in 2007 during a physical endurance test for a govt job made Gopinath Sethi vow to help aspirants prepare for the tests in the right way. Now 71, Sethi continues to help youths train before they appear for a physical endurance or efficiency test required in military, paramilitary, police and other govt jobs. Every morning, Sethi travels from his house at Dumuduma here to Nicco Park to train several youths for free. He teaches them techniques for running and controlling their breath. Job aspirants fondly call him 'Gopi Sir'. Earlier, Sethi used to even run with the aspirants. "I was a marathoner in my youth. I won many awards and prize money for winning and participating in marathons in Odisha and outside. I ran 10km, 15km, and 20km events. At 34, some youths practising for CRPF and police jobs joined me while I was running. From then, youths started running with me," said Sethi. He said his son Goutam, then 22, was preparing for a Group-D job in the railways, which required a physical efficiency test. "For that, he was running every morning with other aspirants. On Nov 10, 2007, my son, while finishing his running, fell on the ground and became unconscious. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Later, he died due to a heart attack. I found that he could not control his breath or slow down before reaching the finish line. It all happened due to lack of proper training. I took a vow that day that I would pass on my experience to youths preparing for jobs requiring physical endurance tests. Nobody should face a situation like my son. Though I was helping aspirants earlier, I started their formal training after my son's death," said Sethi. Sethi retired from govt service in 2012 as a senior diarist in the finance department. He lives with his wife and daughter. "Around 4,000 youths trained by me got jobs in different sectors, including Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), armed forces, police, fire service, forest, railways," he added. Sethi said the youths love him like a son. "When they call me or come home to inform they have got govt jobs, it gives me immense happiness. They invite me to their marriages too. I will continue my work until I am able to walk. My daughter is a govt servant. I have a house and I get pension. I don't need money for training youths," he added.
