Science

Lenacapavir: Redefining HIV Prevention in 2024 – The Babak Lab

The Babak Lab/LinkedIn

Jan 2, 2025, 16:50

Lenacapavir: Redefining HIV Prevention in 2024 – The Babak Lab

The Babak Lab posted on LinkedIn:

“Lenacapavir: Redefining HIV Prevention in 2024.

The fight against HIV took a groundbreaking turn this year with the introduction of lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug offering six months of protection per shot. With efficacy rates nearing 100%, this drug has the potential to transform global HIV prevention strategies.

Why It Matters:
• Unprecedented Results: In African trials, infections dropped to zero among adolescent girls and young women. Similar results were observed globally among diverse populations.
• Scientific Breakthrough: Lenacapavir targets HIV’s capsid proteins, unlocking a new pathway for combating viral diseases.

Challenges Ahead:
• Accessibility in middle- and low-income countries remains uncertain.
• Regulatory approval is pending, with availability expected no sooner than 2025.
• Achieving widespread adoption requires tackling distribution, cost, and social barriers.

Read the full article here.

How can we ensure lenacapavir reaches communities most affected by HIV? Could this capsid-targeting approach inspire treatments for other viral diseases?

Let’s discuss how this innovation could shape the future of public health and what it will take to turn potential into reality.”

Maria (Masha) Babak, Head of The Babak Lab, shared this post on LinkedIn, adding:

“Excited to share this game-changing breakthrough in HIV prevention that happened in 2024! Lenacapavir’s long-acting protection has the potential to save millions and reshape global health strategies. As researchers, we must ensure accessibility and equity.

Join the conversation on how we can collectively turn this innovation into action for the communities that need it most!”

Dr. Maria (Masha) Babak is the Head of The Babak Lab and an Assistant Professor at the City University of Hong Kong. In November 2020, she joined the City University of Hong Kong as an assistant professor. Dr. Babak received the Graeme Hanson-AsBIC Early Career Award in 2022.

Her research interests are at the intersection of chemistry, biology, and medicine, with a focus on the discovery and preclinical development of anticancer drugs for resistant and aggressive cancers with limited treatment options, such as malignant pleural mesothelioma and brain metastases. She received the Yvonne Award by OncoDaily in the “mentorship” category.