San Juan, Puerto Rico, December 17, 2024 –Centro Ararat a milestone in global public health by participating in an international study demonstrating the effectiveness of a new injectable treatment for HIV prevention.
This innovative treatment, called lenacapavir, would be administered just twice a year and offers a more convenient and effective alternative to traditional daily therapy with F/TDF (an oral medication approved by the FDA for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP). This is particularly relevant for people who lead busy lives, lack consistent access to medical care, or face barriers to adhering to daily therapy.
The study PURPOSE 2, which included more than 3,200 participants, revealed a drastic reduction in infection rates in the group that received lenacapavir. The results, published in the prestigious journal New England Journal of Medicine, promise to transform HIV prevention strategies worldwide.
“This is a paradigm shift in HIV prevention,” said Dr. Maribel Acevedo-Quiñones, medical director of Centro Ararat represented Puerto Rico as part of the international team that participated in this study, which also included Romano Baroni, director of Public Health, and Sylvia Rodríguez, director of Nursing.
“Making prevention options more accessible and practical is essential to combating the epidemic in Puerto Rico and in the world’s most vulnerable communities” – Dr. Maribel Acevedo Quiñones
The study showed a 95% reduction in the incidence of infections compared with the untreated population and an 89% reduction compared with the F/TDF group; these results are not only statistically significant but also have a direct practical impact on reducing new HIV infections.
What is F/TDF?
F/TDF is a medication that acts as a “shield” to prevent the virus from multiplying in the body if a person is exposed. Although it is very effective, its effectiveness depends on strict adherence to the daily regimen.
What is lenacapavir?
Lenacapavir is a groundbreaking treatment that simplifies HIV prevention by requiring only two injections per year. This not only makes it easier to adhere to treatment but also improves the quality of life for people at risk.
Results that transform lives
The PURPOSE 2 study yielded compelling results:
- Greater effectiveness: Lenacapavir significantly reduced infections compared with F/TDF.
- Lower infection rate: The treatment showed an incidence of only 0.10 cases per 100 people per year, compared with 2.37 in the untreated population.
- Well tolerated: No serious safety concerns were identified, and side effects, such as mild reactions at the injection site, were manageable.
- Adaptability to diverse needs: Lenacapavir has been shown to be effective across a wide range of populations at high risk of HIV exposure. This makes it a solution that can be adapted to meet the needs of groups traditionally excluded from early intervention studies.
- Practical approach: Its twice-yearly administration not only improves adherence but also reduces the logistical burden on healthcare systems and patients. This is crucial for populations in resource-limited areas.
A commitment to innovation and the community
Meanwhile, Dr. Iván Meléndez Rivera, founder and chief medical officer of Centro Ararat, noted that “we are very proud to be part of this scientific breakthrough that offers hope to thousands of people in Puerto Rico and around the world. This study underscores our commitment to innovation in healthcare and to the well-being of the communities we serve.”
This discovery promises to revolutionize HIV prevention by offering a more practical and effective option, especially for people who face barriers to traditional treatments.
For more information:
Visit NEJM.org to read the full study.
Media contact:
Bruny Velázquez, License No. 1357
(787) 598-2628
bruny@factica.agency
