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Tag: Black communities

  • Yeztugo®: A New Twice-Yearly HIV Prevention Option

    A significant advancement in HIV prevention has arrived with the FDA approval of Yeztugo® (lenacapavir), the first and only injectable HIV prevention shot requiring administration just twice a year. This long-acting medication offers powerful protection without the daily commitment of oral PrEP, addressing barriers that have historically limited access, particularly for Black and Brown communities, women, and individuals in the Southern U.S.

    What is Yeztugo® and Who Can Take It?

    Yeztugo® is a long-acting injectable medication designed to significantly reduce the risk of acquiring HIV infection. It is intended for individuals who do not currently have HIV but are seeking protection, whether they are new to PrEP or considering switching from daily oral medications. The medication is suitable for adults and adolescents weighing at least 77 pounds (approximately 35 kg) who are at higher risk for HIV, including those who have engaged in condomless sex, experienced a recent STI, or have a partner living with HIV.

    Why This Approval Matters Now

    Despite the availability of PrEP since 2012, HIV diagnoses remain a concern in the U.S., with over 100 new infections daily in 2023. PrEP usage is notably underutilized among key populations, including women, Black/African American and Latine/Hispanic individuals, and those residing in the U.S. South. Yeztugo®’s twice-yearly format offers a discreet and potentially more manageable option, which could significantly improve adherence and protection rates for these communities. Its potential impact has been recognized globally, with the journal Science naming lenacapavir (the active drug in Yeztugo®) its 2024 “Breakthrough of the Year.”

    Proven Efficacy and Inclusive Research

    Clinical trials have demonstrated remarkable efficacy for Yeztugo®. In two large global studies, PURPOSE 1 and PURPOSE 2, over 99.9% of participants receiving Yeztugo® remained HIV-negative. The PURPOSE program itself is noted as the most inclusive HIV prevention clinical trial program ever conducted, with a specific focus on Black women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and communities in Africa and Latin America, ensuring the research was conducted “for us and with us.”

    How Yeztugo® Works and Potential Side Effects

    Yeztugo® works by blocking HIV at various stages of its life cycle, preventing it from taking hold in the body. The initial administration involves two pills and two injections on Day 1, followed by two more pills on Day 2. Subsequently, individuals receive two injections every six months at a clinic or doctor’s office. Clinical trials indicated that Yeztugo® was generally well-tolerated, with the most common side effects being injection site soreness, headache, and nausea. Importantly, the twice-yearly format eliminates the daily reminder and potential stigma associated with keeping bottles of medication visible, offering a discreet and convenient solution.

    Cost and Accessibility

    Gilead, the manufacturer of Yeztugo®, states that the medication will be priced comparably to other branded PrEP medications. For uninsured individuals, the Gilead Advancing Access program may provide free medication. Copay assistance is also available, encouraging individuals not to assume affordability is a barrier. More information can be found at www.yeztugo.com.

    Is Yeztugo® Right for You?

    Yeztugo® could be a suitable option for individuals who are not living with HIV, desire a simpler and more discreet method of protection, prefer injections over daily pills, or engage in activities that increase HIV risk, particularly when condom use is inconsistent. It is essential to undergo an HIV test before each injection, a process typically managed by a healthcare provider.

    Currently approved in the U.S. and the European Union’s 27 member states, plus Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein (under the brand name Yeytuo®), Gilead is working to make Yeztugo® available in more countries, including South Africa, Brazil, and Canada. This expansion signifies a global commitment to providing diverse HIV prevention options.

    If you’re interested in Yeztugo®, talk to your healthcare provider or visit www.yeztugo.com to learn more. What are your thoughts on this new HIV prevention option? Share in the comments below!

  • Cancer Trials Scarce in Black Communities

    Access to cutting-edge cancer treatments through clinical trials is not equally distributed across the United States. New research published in JAMA Network Open reveals a stark reality: counties with higher social vulnerability, where Black people and especially Black women are more likely to reside, have significantly less access to cancer clinical trials.

    The Link Between Social Vulnerability and Trial Access

    The study, led by Dr. Rishi Robert Sekar from the University of Michigan, examined the connection between social determinants of health (SDOH) and the availability of cancer clinical trials across 3,142 U.S. counties. Researchers found that counties with the highest Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) scores were considerably less likely to host any cancer clinical trials compared to the least vulnerable counties. Specifically, only 49.6% of the most vulnerable counties had trials, versus 70.0% of the least vulnerable.

    Furthermore, these highly vulnerable counties had fewer population-adjusted trials available (223.4 compared to 579.2 in less vulnerable areas). These disparities remained consistent across different SVI quintiles, indicating a systemic issue where communities facing greater social and economic challenges have fewer opportunities to participate in potentially life-saving research.

    Implications for Black Communities and Cancer Survival

    This lack of access has serious implications for Black communities, particularly concerning cancer survival rates. Clinical trials offer participants early access to novel therapies that may not yet be widely available but could significantly improve outcomes. For Black women, who already face higher mortality rates from breast cancer than white women, even at similar diagnosis stages, participation in trials is crucial.

    By including Black participants in clinical trials, researchers gain vital insights into how different populations respond to treatments. This data is essential for developing more equitable and effective cancer care strategies tailored to diverse patient groups. Participating in trials allows Black women to directly contribute to the advancement of treatments that could benefit future generations.

    A Call for Equitable Access and Support

    The study’s authors stress the importance of identifying and supporting socially vulnerable communities to expand trial opportunities. They advocate for counselors to recognize that Black women with disabilities are eager to participate in the labor market and view self-employment as a viable path. Understanding how vocation impacts overall well-being and addressing systemic barriers are critical steps toward ensuring equitable cancer care for all.

    What steps do you think can be taken to increase cancer clinical trial access in underserved communities? Share your thoughts in the comments below!