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FDA Approves Game-Changing HIV Injectable Amid Funding Fears

6/28/2025

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FDA Approves Lenacapavir

The FDA has greenlit lenacapavir, a groundbreaking injectable for HIV prevention that only requires two doses a year. This could significantly improve adherence among high-risk individuals. Yet, looming U.S. funding cuts for foreign aid and public health jeopardize its global distribution, sparking fears of escalating HIV rates in vulnerable nations lacking essential support.

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Supreme Court Upholds Healthcare

In a landmark 6-3 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court has reinforced the Affordable Care Act's mandate for no-cost preventive services, ensuring vital access to HIV prevention drugs and cancer screenings. While this decision bolsters companies like Gilead Sciences and Exact Sciences, a troubling reality persists: only 36% of those eligible for PrEP treatments are currently receiving them, highlighting a critical gap in healthcare access.

History

Historical Context

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), enacted in 2010, expanded healthcare access by mandating no-cost preventive services, including treatments like PrEP. Despite this, only 36% of eligible individuals utilize these services. The FDA's 2022 approval of lenacapavir, a groundbreaking HIV treatment requiring just two doses annually, faces challenges due to potential U.S. funding cuts for foreign aid, jeopardizing global HIV prevention efforts.

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FDA Approves Lenacapavir

The FDA has greenlit lenacapavir, a groundbreaking injectable for HIV prevention that only requires two doses a year. This could significantly improve adherence among high-risk individuals. Yet, looming U.S. funding cuts for foreign aid and public health jeopardize its global distribution, sparking fears of escalating HIV rates in vulnerable nations lacking essential support.

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