Mexico City: On the occasion of World AIDS Day, scientists have announced a groundbreaking development in the fight against HIV. They claim to have created a 100% effective vaccine against the virus. Individuals receiving two doses of this vaccine within a year can achieve complete protection against HIV infection.
Recent studies conducted on women revealed that a vaccine administered biannually is 100% effective in preventing HIV infection. Results published on Wednesday indicate that its efficacy in men is nearly equivalent. This vaccine is being referred to as the closest solution to an AIDS virus vaccine to date.
Gilead, the pharmaceutical company behind the development, announced plans to sell affordable generic versions in 120 low-income countries with high HIV rates, primarily in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean. However, most of Latin America, where infection rates are currently low but rising, is not included in this initiative.
UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima emphasized the vaccine's superiority over existing prevention methods, calling it unprecedented. She credited Gilead for the development but noted that the global capacity to prevent AIDS relies on the vaccine's usage in at-risk countries.
UNAIDS released a report on Sunday, coinciding with World AIDS Day, indicating that approximately 630,000 deaths due to AIDS were recorded last year, the lowest since 2004. This suggests that the world is at a 'historic turning point' with a chance to end the pandemic.
The drug, named Lenacapavir, is already marketed under the brand name Sunlenca for treating HIV infection in the United States, Canada, Europe, and other regions. The company plans to seek approval for Sunlenca’s use in HIV prevention shortly. Experts believe that the biannual dosage of Gilead's vaccine will be particularly beneficial for marginalized populations.