ABSTRACT:
Lenacapavir (LEN) is a groundbreaking first-in-class HIV-1 capsid inhibitor developed by Gilead sciences and marketed as Sun Lenca in both tablet and subcutaneous injection forms. It has been approved by major regulatory agencies, including the US FDA, EMA, and Health Canada, for the treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) HIV-1 infections, which remain a critical unmet medical need. LEN is administered twice yearly via subcutaneous injection has been proven effective for HIV prevention in cisgender women and men; its effectiveness in cisgender men, transgender women, transgender men, and gender-nonbinary individuals remains uncertain. The unique mechanism of action targeting the HIV-1 capsid makes LEN highly effective against MDR strains, with minimal drug-related mutation and non-cross-resistance to other classes of anti-retro viral agents. LEN is especially suitable for patients with limited health care access due to its long-acting profile and ease of administration. Pharmacologically, LEN exhibits additive or synergistic effects when combined with antiretroviral agents as rilpivirine, cabotegravir, islatravir, bictegravir and tenofovir. However, HIV management is often complicated by opportunistic infections like TB, emphasizing need for comprehensive drug-drug, drug-food, and drug-disease interaction studies. Patient literature reveals ongoing research on innovative LEN-based formulations and combination therapies, particularly targeting HIV and TB coinfections in a single dosage form. Future developments aim to optimize LEN’s pharmacokinetic properties, expand its clinical use, and enhance patient outcomes. LEN represents a major advancement in treatment and prevention of MDR HIV-1 infection, with significant potential for further therapeutic innovation.
Cite this article:
Dr. B. Kumar*, Chennuru Charanya, K.V. Rajasri, Shaik Abidha Begum, Mungara Rakesh Kumar, Uttukuru Poojitha. A New Era in HIV Prevention: The Long-Acting Power of Lenacapavir. IJRPAS. 2025; 4(9): 70-77
.DOI: https://doi.org/70-77
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