Dr Monica Musenero recently graced the Uganda Afro Science Workshop at Busitema University. Government supports the pathogenic economy
A Ugandan-tested “super drug” has been approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent HIV. This drug known as lenacapavir is a twice-a-year injection and prevents one from getting infected with HIV.
A study conducted in South Africa and Uganda of more than 5,300 sexually active young women and teen girls found that those who got the two injections a year were not infected with HIV.
The Manufacturer – Gilead Sciences, says the prevention dose will be sold under the name, Yeztugo as two injections under the skin of the abdomen, leaving a small “depot” of medication to slowly absorb into the body.
“This is a historic day in the decades-long fight against HIV. Yeztugo is one of the most important scientific breakthroughs of our time and offers a very real opportunity to help end the HIV epidemic,” Daniel O’Day, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Gilead Sciences noted.
“This is a medicine that only needs to be given twice a year and has shown remarkable outcomes in clinical studies, which means it could transform HIV prevention. Gilead scientists have made it their life’s work to end HIV, and now, with the FDA approval of Yeztugo and in collaboration with our many partners, we are ready to turn that that goal into reality,” he added.
The prohibitive price tag is expected to be a huge obstacle especially for the common people who suffer the most from the HIV epidemic. There is however optimism that the price of this drug will start going down slowly with time.
When Habari Daily reached out to Dr Monica Musenero, the minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, she didn’t pick or return the call.
