A recent study led by Weill Cornell Medicine found low levels of natural resistance to lenacapavir, a novel HIV therapy, among Ugandan patients, indicating its potential efficacy against regional strains. The research highlights the need for ongoing monitoring of drug resistance as lenacapavir becomes available in East Africa.
A recent multinational study led by Weill Cornell Medicine has revealed a low level of natural resistance to lenacapavir, a new HIV therapy, among Ugandan patients. Published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, the study indicates that only 1.6% of individuals analyzed exhibit known lenacapavir resistance mutations, suggesting its efficacy against prevalent HIV strains in East Africa.
Since the 1990s, various HIV drug combinations have minimized the virus load in patients to nearly undetectable levels. However, the emergence of drug-resistant strains poses a significant challenge. Lenacapavir, the first drug designed to interfere with the HIV capsid layer, has demonstrated potential by preventing viral reproduction and transmission among patients.
Administered semi-annually, lenacapavir has shown effectiveness in both treatment-naive individuals and those resistant to other therapies. Notably, clinical trials conducted last year confirmed that lenacapavir injections effectively prevented HIV infection in HIV-negative women in sub-Saharan Africa.
The study addressed the lack of information regarding pre-existing resistance to lenacapavir in HIV-1 subtypes A1 and D, predominantly found in eastern and southern Africa. Through the examination of capsid proteins from 546 HIV-1 patients in Uganda, researchers found no major genetic mutations that confer resistance to lenacapavir. Only a few participants showed minor mutations that could slightly affect the drug’s effectiveness.
The findings support lenacapavir’s potential effectiveness in Uganda. However, continued surveillance for the emergence of drug-resistant strains is essential as lenacapavir becomes more widespread in East Africa. The study underscores the necessity of HIV research in underrepresented regions with unique viral strains.
The study conducted by Weill Cornell Medicine underscores lenacapavir’s potential to combat HIV in Uganda, revealing minimal natural resistance among local strains. This promising new therapy represents a significant advancement in the global effort to control HIV. Ongoing monitoring will be crucial as this treatment is introduced, ensuring its effectiveness in regions where HIV variants may pose challenges.
Original Source: news.cornell.edu
