SPOKANE, Wash. – The FDA has approved a twice-yearly injection for HIV prevention following a groundbreaking clinical trial. Years before the approval, Dr. Rachel Safran was part of an original clinical trial on the drug.
While those clinical trials were focused on using Lenacapavir as a treatment for HIV, Safran said that the information collected, including dosage and frequency, was used in following clinical trials that led to the FDA approval of Lenacapavir as HIV prevention medication.
While the trial was being conducted, Safran said many people, including the elderly, volunteered.
“It’s amazing how willing they were to be apart of studies,” Safran said.
Safran also shared how the FDA approval has significant implications for Spokane residents.
“In Spokane County, we have dozens of new cases each year of HIV infection — so that’s why it’s incredibly important,” Safran said.
The new medication, Lenacapavir, stands out for its extended efficacy, requiring only biannual doctor visits compared to daily pills. Safran noted its effectiveness.
“This was actually the first medication that found essentially a 100% success because they had no HIV infections in people that were taking the shot,” Safran said.
Due to the drug’s success, the FDA expedited its approval process.
“They felt it would be unethical to keep continuing and not offering people that standard of care,” Safran said.
Safran expressed optimism that Lenacapavir could reduce barriers to care and treat individuals potentially exposed to HIV in Spokane and across the world.
“Really this is a game changer for the world of the HIV epidemic,” Safran said.
Dr. Safran explained that there are 1 million new cases of HIV each year, making HIV an endemic.
Dr. Safran encourages those who may have been exposed to be tested immediately. If treatment is needed, she hopes that Lenacapavir could reduce Stigma and encourage more people to seek consistent treatment.
