New hope to stop HIV - 12th August 2024

Scientists have tested a new way of giving medicine which stops HIV. The drug, which is called lenacapavir, is now given by injection. This treatment could help millions of people.

The drug trial took place in Uganda and South Africa. The medicine was given to young women every 6 months. The women were completely protected from catching HIV. When lead doctor Linda-Gail Bekker saw the results, she cried with happiness.

Pregnant women were included in the study. So far, these women's babies have been healthy. HIV positive women can give the virus to their babies, so lenacapavir could help to stop this.

If a patient with HIV isn't treated, the virus will kill the person. It began to affect people in 1980. There were no effective treatments, which meant that millions of people died.

HIV treatments usually need to be taken every day, which isn't possible for many people. The lenacapavir injection provides a solution.

It could help people in sub-Saharan Africa, where the virus is a big threat. Two thirds of people who have HIV live here. An injection just twice a year is easier than storing and taking tablets every day.

Scientists are waiting for governments to confirm their research. This will allow lenacapavir to protect millions of people.