Poorer countries granted access to HIV prevention drug
The agreement with Gilead would make it possible to reach two million people with the new drug.
GENEVA - Lower-income countries will gain access to a 'game-changing' HIV prevention drug with a new deal signed between with US pharmaceutical giant Gilead and the Global Fund, the health financing group said on July 9.
The group set up to battle Aids, tuberculosis and malaria, described the deal to procure lenacapavir for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as 'a significant milestone for global health equity'.
'This marks the first time in history that an HIV prevention product will be introduced in LMICs at the same time as in high-income countries,' the Global Fund said in a statement.
The group said it hoped the agreement with Gilead would make it possible to reach two million people with the revolutionary drug, which was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in June.
Drugs to prevent HIV transmission, known as pre-exposure prophylaxis or Prep, have existed for more than a decade. But because they typically require taking a daily pill, they have yet to make a significant dent in global infections.
By contrast, lenacapavir, marketed under the brand name Yeztugo, requires only two injections per year and has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by more than 99.9 per cent in adults and adolescents – making it functionally akin to a powerful vaccine.
'This is not just a scientific breakthrough – it's a
turning point for HIV/Aids ,' Global Fund chief Peter Sands said.
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'For the first time, we have a tool that can fundamentally change the trajectory of the HIV epidemic – but only if we get it to the people who need it most.'
Under the agreement, countries supported by the Global Fund can access lenacapavir for Prep, the organisation said, adding that it aimed for the first shipment and delivery to reach at least one African country by the end of 2025.
This, it said, would mark the start of 'a transformational shift in how HIV prevention is delivered to communities with the highest burden of new infections'.
There was particular urgency in countries like South Africa, where adolescent girls and young women are disproportionately affected by HIV.
'This is a game changer for South Africa,' South African Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said in the statement.
'Lenacapavir offers young women, and everyone at risk, a discreet, long-acting option to stay HIV-free.' AFP
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GA1 affects the body's ability to break down three types of amino acids – lysine, hydroxylysine, and tryptophan – which are commonly found in some protein-rich foods such as meat and fish. These amino acids must be broken down as the body cannot store them in large quantities. When the body cannot properly break down the amino acids, a toxic byproduct called glutaric acid builds up . Associate Professor Tan Ee Shien, who heads Genetics Service at KK Women's and Children's Hospital, said glutaric acid can cause serious health complications, particularly affecting the brain. She explained that the breakdown of amino acids requires an enzyme called glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH). Every person inherits two copies of the GCDH gene – one from each parent – which provide instructions for producing the enzyme. Lai Jia Chi, 15, an IP student from Temasek Junior College, counts herself lucky that she is leading a normal life despite having GA1. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR 'With variations in both copies of the gene, the enzyme does not work as it should, leading to a buildup of substances that can affect a person's health,' Prof Tan said. GA1 is considered rare, affecting about one in every 100,000 newborns worldwide. Babies with GA1 can appear completely healthy at birth and develop normally in their early months. 'Without screening and early intervention, the first sign that something is wrong could be a sudden and devastating metabolic crisis, often triggered by a common illness like fever or infection,' Prof Tan said. 'These crises can cause stroke-like episodes that may lead to permanent brain damage, affecting movements and development. This is why early detection through newborn screening is so valuable - allowing for preventive measures to be put in place before any crisis occurs, protecting the child's health and development.' When detected early, those with GA1 can develop normally and be effectively managed through strict dietary control, such as low protein intake, special medical formula and supplements to boost carnitine – which is essential for preventing muscle weakness as well as heart and liver problems. Regular metabolic monitoring and established emergency protocols in times of illness are also essential for their care. Mr Lai said: 'We researched the condition and it turned out to be very scary. We had to limit her amount of protein intake, otherwise GA1 can cause muscle weakness, spasticity, and dystonia (that affects motor skills).' He noted that many individuals with the condition in Singapore are now in wheelchairs. As for Jia Chi, her condition was caught early enough, preventing any brain damage. Her parents made it their priority to ensure that she leads a normal and healthy life. They controlled her diet and made sure she kept to her regimen of medication and supplements. 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At times, her muscles still twitch, and that serves as a reminder to Jia Chi and her parents that she still has the condition. Prof Tan was amazed by the teenager's achievements. 'Her obtaining a black belt in Taekwondo and reaching Grade 8 in piano are truly remarkable. These accomplishments are especially significant because GA1 can affect motor skills and coordination, further underscoring the importance of early detection and appropriate medical care,' she said.
