#Aids

In Kigali this summer, a carefully watched clinical trial out of Umlazi, South Africa, offered the most hopeful signal in years that remission from HIV might be achievable for more people, including those in Africa where the virus has forged a heavy social and economic burden. The study, part of a broader push to develop a cure rather than lifelong treatment, used a two-pronged strategy: a drug to wake latent HIV and a one-time infusion of broadly neutralizing antibodies to clear what is surfaced. The result? Among 20 women enrolled, four stayed in remission for a period after stopping antiretroviral therapy; one later experienced a rebound, while others chose to resume treatment for practical reasons. The lead patient in the cohort, Anele, has remained off treatment for more than two years and HIV-free, though researchers stop short of declaring a universal cure. The findings are not a slam dunk, but they are a toehold—enough to renew optimism that cures might eventually come from trials that reflect the realities of people most affected by HIV in Africa and beyond.

A new long-acting HIV prevention injection, Yeztugo (lenacapavir), has earned approval from U.S. regulators and promises to curb new infections globally, including in Southeast Asia. Experts say a biannual shot could overcome adherence hurdles tied to daily PrEP pills, potentially speeding progress against HIV/AIDS. Yet questions about cost, availability, and implementation loom—especially for middle-income countries like Thailand.

In Thailand, HIV remains a serious public health and social issue. Despite gains in prevention and treatment, about 5,000 new infections occur each year, according to the Department of Disease Control and data from UNAIDS in Thailand. While daily PrEP pills such as Truvada and Descovy are available, adherence is often hindered by stigma, affordability, and the burden of daily dosing. Yeztugo aims to change this with a simple regimen: two oral doses followed by a semiannual injection.

A groundbreaking HIV prevention injection, Yeztugo (lenacapavir), recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, promises to significantly reduce new infections worldwide, including in Southeast Asia. Experts say this long-acting, twice-yearly shot could help overcome challenges associated with daily HIV-prevention pills, potentially transforming the fight against HIV/AIDS. However, questions about accessibility, cost, and implementation remain—issues of particular concern for middle-income countries like Thailand.

For Thais, HIV remains a chronic social and public health issue. Despite major progress in prevention and treatment, approximately 5,000 new HIV infections occur annually, according to the Department of Disease Control and UNAIDS (UNAIDS Thailand). While daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) pills—such as Truvada and Descovy—have been available, adherence is often hindered by stigma, cost, and the burden of taking medicine every day. Yeztugo aims to change that with a simple regimen: two oral doses followed by a subcutaneous injection every six months.