Question: how far is the HIV medicine have reached in terms of research

Jacinta Nzilani answered on 17 Jul 2025:

Hey,
🌍 Latest Advances in HIV Medicine (2025), and since we are in Kenya, I will tell you some of the strides we are also making.
🧬 1. Long-Acting HIV Prevention: Big Win for Kenya!
In June 2025, the FDA approved Lenacapavir (brand name: Yeztugo), a revolutionary twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention (PrEP).
✅ Scientific Breakthrough: It blocks the virus by targeting the HIV capsid – a new class of antiretroviral.
✅ Clinical Trials: Showed nearly 100% prevention rate in high-risk groups.

Kenya is proudly among the first countries selected to receive and roll out Lenacapavir, alongside South Africa and Brazil, as part of an early access WHO-backed initiative. This marks a huge step toward ending new HIV infections, especially among young women and key populations.

🧪 2. Cure Research Highlights
Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies (bNAbs) + immune boosters (like vesatolimod) are being tested in South Africa.
🧠 Result: Some people stopped daily meds for over a year with no viral rebound, a step closer to remission.

Gene editing (EBT-101) using CRISPR is in early human trials, aiming to cut out HIV DNA from infected cells.

mRNA lipid nanoparticles developed in Australia are now being tested to flush out hidden HIV from the body.

🧬 3. What’s Next for Kenya and Africa?
Clinical trial sites in Kenya are being prepared to evaluate new long-acting combinations (e.g., capsid inhibitors + bNAbs).

Education and access campaigns are underway to ensure high-risk populations benefit from these innovations early.

💡 Bottom Line:
Kenya is not just watching the science -we’re part of the breakthrough. With long-acting meds like Lenacapavir now in reach, and cure research advancing fast, the future of HIV care in Africa is looking brighter than ever. 🧡🌍