Lenacapavir- The Holy Grail of HIV?

“Gilead is actively pursuing innovative cure and long-term viral suppression strategies, while seeking to optimize antiretroviral and prevention therapies for all individuals impacted by HIV. Through the data presented at AIDS 2020: Virtual, we aim to advance care in a transformative way and contribute to the shared goal of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.”

-Diana Brainard, MD, Senior Vice President and Virology Therapeutic Area Head, Gilead Sciences.

Recently Gilead Science has come out with a new experimental drug, Lenacapvir, which shows promise in improving treatment for those infected with HIV for up to 6 months!

Lenacapvir targets an HIV protein known as capsid, involved with multiple phases of the virus cycle unlike other proteins, and weakens the HIV virus’ outer coating. In short, it becomes more difficult for the virus to infect the body’s cells and protect itself from the body’s natural defenses.

Although studies are underway and have shown favorable results, in some instances the strain has been shown to be resistant thus prompting for further research.

What do you think about this drug? Could it be the breakthrough we have been looking for in the development of HIV research?