Uganda is poised to benefit from the introduction of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable antiretroviral (ARV) drug proven to be 100 percent effective in preventing HIV. Developed by US pharmaceutical company Gilead, the drug offers a convenient biannual dosage compared to the daily regimen of current oral prevention pills.
Dr. Flavia Matovu Kiweewa, the lead researcher for Uganda in the Lenacapavir trials, confirmed the potential rollout during a symposium on HIV/AIDS organized by Nation Media Group-Uganda (NMG-U) last week. "Gilead has partnered with six generic manufacturers to produce affordable versions of Lenacapavir. Additionally, the company has committed to providing the branded drug at low cost to 18 countries, including Uganda, to accelerate accessibility," Dr. Kiweewa said.
The clinical trials, conducted in Uganda's districts of Mityana, Masaka, and Kalangala, and in 28 locations across South Africa, have included over 5,000 HIV-negative adolescent girls at high risk of infection. Preliminary findings showed zero new infections among participants receiving Lenacapavir, compared to 39 infections in those taking daily oral emtricitabine-tenofovir alafenamide (F/TAF) and 16 infections in the group using emtricitabine-tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (F/TDF).
Although oral ARVs remain effective, adherence challenges and the stigma associated with daily medication have hindered their impact.
"The introduction of Lenacapavir will address these barriers, providing a more discreet and manageable option for individuals at risk," Dr. Kiweewa added.
Global advocates, including Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), have urged for reduced pricing to ensure equitable access. Gilead has projected that the generic version could cost as low as $40 (approximately UGX 145,000) per year once production scales up.
Local health experts emphasize that Lenacapavir must complement existing prevention strategies, such as condom use and behavioral change campaigns. Dr. Robert Mutumba, Assistant Commissioner for the AIDS Control Division, stressed the need for community engagement to tackle misinformation and increase awareness about sexual and reproductive health among youth.
Dr. Maureen Kwikiriza of the Uganda AIDS Commission highlighted the persistent challenge of low medication adherence among men and adolescents, noting the importance of targeting these groups to reduce new infections.
The symposium also served as a platform for journalists to deepen their understanding of HIV-related issues. NMG-U’s Editorial General Manager, Mr. Daniel Kalinaki, emphasized the role of informed reporting in bridging gaps between researchers, policymakers, and the public in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Lenacapavir offers long-lasting HIV/AIDS prevention, improves adherence, reduces stigma, and provides cost-effective, discreet, and convenient biannual dosing. With all in play, this remains a good step in the righ direction.
