Lenacapavir (Len LA) in HIV treatment

Context: A new pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drug, Lenacapavir (Len LA), has been found to be 100% effective against HIV infection.

Mechanism of Action:

• Type of Drug: Lenacapavir is a fusion capsid inhibitor, targeting the HIV capsid, a crucial protein shell for the virus’s survival and replication.
• Functionality:
  • Blocking Viral Entry: At the early stages, Lenacapavir disrupts the capsid’s structure, preventing the virus from replicating.
  • Disrupting Viral Production: At the later stages, it interferes with the production of viral progeny, rendering them non-functional.

Key Features of Lenacapavir:

• Increased Acceptability: Administered as a long-acting injection every six months, making it an easy-to-manage dosage.
• High Efficacy: Demonstrated 100% effectiveness in preventing HIV infection among young women.
• Alternative to Daily Oral PrEP: Offers a viable alternative to daily oral PrEP medications.
• Potential for Broader Use: Suitable for deployment in resource-limited areas, enhancing its accessibility and impact.