Latest news with #PrEP
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Malaysia pushes Asean joint procurement to cut HIV treatment costs
(From left) Dr Ismuni, Lukanisman, Jamilah Anu, and Dr Veronica pose for a photo call after the opening ceremony of the Asean Regional Dialogue on Affordable ARV Drugs and Promoting CBT. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (July 17): Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni acknowledged that the high cost of antiretroviral (ARV) medication remains one of Malaysia's major challenges in HIV prevention and treatment. The government, he said, is actively pursuing regional joint procurement efforts to reduce prices. He stated that Malaysia is advocating for the use of Asean's regional cooperation platform to collectively procure ARV drugs, aiming to reduce the costs through shared procurement mechanisms. 'Malaysia is championing regional cooperation through joint procurement platforms. 'Many of these medications are tied to intellectual property protections, so a collaborative approach could help us negotiate better prices and improve access,' he told a press conference after officiating the Asean Regional Dialogue on Affordable Antiretroviral (ARV) Drugs and the Promotion of Community-Based Testing (CBT) here today. Lukanisman further revealed that the current monthly cost of the new‑generation TLD (Tenofovir, Lamivudine and Dolutegravir) regimen is approximately RM200. 'The TLD costs around RM200 per month, but we want to reduce it to at least RM100 per month. 'While the price is actually higher than the previous ARV, it is more efficient to treat patients with this TLD,' he noted. He also highlighted Malaysia's dependence on imports, primarily from India, where producers benefit from economies of scale and advanced biosimilar technology. 'We don't yet have the capacity to manufacture these high‑end ARVs domestically,' he said. In addition to treatment, Lukanisman emphasised the expansion of the national Pre‑Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) programme, now available at 35 Ministry of Health (MoH) clinics, including those in Kuching, Miri and Sibu. Despite early criticism, he defended PrEP as 'not just treatment, but a form of protection, especially for groups at high risk,' stressing that equal access to healthcare is a fundamental right. The ASEAN Regional Dialogue on Affordable ARV Drugs and promoting CBT is organised by the MoH, running from July 17 to 19 at the Hilton Hotel here. The dialogue is a strategic collaboration between the MoH, the state government, the Malaysian AIDS Foundation, the Malaysian AIDS Council, and regional partners from Asean member states. The three-day forum brings together policymakers, health experts, and community representatives to strengthen regional cooperation in ending AIDS by 2030, through affordable treatment and expanded community testing. Among those present were the Patron of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation Borneo Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu, Deputy Director General of Public Health Dr Ismuni Bohari, and State Director of Health Dr Veronica Lugah. ARV cost HIV Lukanisman Awang Sauni
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Merck Starts Phase III Studies on Once-Monthly Pill for HIV Prevention
Merck MRK recently launched two late-stage clinical studies to evaluate MK-8527, its investigational once-monthly oral pill for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The EXPrESSIVE-11 study, which starts enrolment next month, will assess the drug in individuals at high risk of HIV-1 exposure across 16 countries. The second study, EXPrESSIVE-10, will focus on sexually active women aged 16 to 30 in Kenya, South Africa and Uganda, with enrollment expected to begin in the coming months. Combined, the two studies will enrol nearly 9,000 participants and pit MK-8527 against Gilead Sciences' GILD daily oral PrEP pill Truvada. MK-8527 is designed to block an enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which HIV uses to replicate. The initiation of the two late-stage studies is supported by results from a phase II study that showed similar rates of adverse events between the treatment and placebo arms. Detailed data from this study will be presented tomorrow at the 13th International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science. Merck is sponsoring both late-stage studies, with grant funding from the Gates Foundation. Merck's Stock Performance The stock has underperformed the industry so far this year, as shown in the chart below. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research MRK's Efforts to Boost HIV Program Merck is building a competitive HIV franchise, targeting both prevention and treatment. In addition to MK-8527, the company is also advancing once-daily and once-weekly oral treatments for the disease. Last week, Merck announced that the FDA had accepted a regulatory filing seeking approval for its investigational, once-daily, two-drug, single-tablet regimen of doravirine/islatravir (DOR/ISL) for treating virologically suppressed adults with HIV-1 infection. A final decision is expected by April 28, 2026. Doravirine, in combination with other antiretrovirals and as a single agent, is approved under the trade name Pifeltro for treating adults with HIV-1 in the United States. It is also approved as a component of a single-tablet regimen under the trade name Delstrigo for treating HIV-1. In collaboration with Gilead, Merck is assessing the investigational once-weekly, two-drug, single tablet regimen of islatravir/lenacapavir (ISL/LEN) across two late-stage studies in virologically suppressed people with HIV-1. MRK is also evaluating the combination of islatravir with another investigational drug called ulonivirine in a phase II study as an oral once-weekly treatment for HIV-1. Collectively, these efforts also reflect Merck's intent to diversify beyond oncology and become a major player in the HIV therapeutic space. Stiff Competition in the HIV Space Merck's growing HIV portfolio positions it to compete with Gilead, which has a market-leading portfolio of HIV drugs. At present, there are two FDA-approved daily oral medications for PrEP — Truvada and Descovy — both marketed solely by GILD. The successful development and potential approval of MK-8527 is likely to challenge the dominance of Gilead in the PrEP space. Gilead also markets the flagship drug Biktarvy – the number-one prescribed regimen for both treatment-naïve and switch patients. If approved, Merck's DOR/ISL would compete with Biktarvy for market share. Gilead recently achieved a breakthrough in the fight against the HIV epidemic after the FDA approved its twice-yearly injectable HIV-1 capsid inhibitor, lenacapavir, for the prevention of HIV. This marks the first and only twice-yearly PrEP option available in the United States. The drug will be marketed under the brand name Yeztugo. Another major player in the HIV space is GSK plc GSK, which also markets multiple drugs in this space. GSK's HIV portfolio sales are being driven by strong patient demand for Cabenuva, Apretude and Dovato. The company is also focused on developing the next generation of HIV innovation with integrase inhibitors for treatment as well as prevention. Merck & Co., Inc. Price Merck & Co., Inc. price | Merck & Co., Inc. Quote MRK's Zacks Rank Merck currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report GSK PLC Sponsored ADR (GSK) : Free Stock Analysis Report Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) : Free Stock Analysis Report Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Sign in to access your portfolio
Boston Globe
4 days ago
- Health
- Boston Globe
PEPFAR keeps millions of people with HIV alive and may be spared from Trump spending cuts
Here's a look at PEPFAR and how it affects millions of people globally. Advertisement Fears of an AIDS resurgence Today, many babies are born infection-free to mothers with HIV — the U.S. State Department says PEPFAR has been responsible for 5.5 million such births — and most people around the world no longer see an infection as a death sentence. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Governments in Africa and elsewhere had even begun to worry about complacency as people, especially youths, took the widespread availability of HIV drugs for granted. In another significant step forward, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved for use the world's only twice-a-year shot to prevent HIV. But the abrupt U.S. aid cuts have health officials in developing countries warning of a return to the early days of the AIDS pandemic, when drugs were nonexistent or severely limited and clinics were filled with the dying. PEPFAR was launched in 2004 in response to those grim scenes. Advertisement Also known as the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the program has partnered with nonprofit groups to provide HIV medication — including the preventative PrEP — to millions around the world. It has strengthened national health care systems, cared for children orphaned by AIDS and provided job training for people at risk. It has played an important role in testing for and tracking HIV infections. HIV/AIDS has no cure, and it has killed over 40 million people globally over the years. Now the U.N. agency on AIDS is warning that analysis suggests 4 million additional AIDS-related deaths between now and 2029, including 300,000 additional children's deaths, if programs permanently lose PEPFAR's support. From widespread support to baseless claims Since PEPFAR's creation by Congress and Republican President George W. Bush, the program has largely enjoyed support across the political spectrum — and gratitude from countries whose health systems have been poorly equipped to care for millions with HIV. But misinformation has crept in. The Heritage Foundation, an influential conservative Washington think tank, accused the Biden administration of using PEPFAR 'to promote its domestic radical social agenda overseas.' Conservatives claimed there were efforts to integrate abortion with HIV/AIDS prevention, a claim the Biden administration denied. Similar claims linger under the Trump administration. Trump and his officials also claim widespread waste and fraud as they seek to dismantle U.S. foreign aid. But PEPFAR has been repeatedly scrutinized. Last year, the government said the State Department's Office of Inspector General had conducted 80 audits, inspections, and special reviews that included oversight of PEPFAR programs, 'including 21 thematic reviews and audits specifically focused on PEPFAR.' Advertisement Impossible to replace US funding The $400 million proposed cut to PEPFAR still could be restored, in part or in full, as the bill on spending cuts faces a final vote in the Senate, a vote in the House of Representatives and Trump's signature before a Friday deadline. 'We must stay vigilant,' International AIDS Society President Beatriz Grinsztejn said in a statement Wednesday after PEPFAR appeared to be spared. No matter what, countries and health experts say it will be impossible to fill the funding gap left by the overall U.S. withdrawal of billions of dollars in aid for the global HIV response, including via PEPFAR. Last month, a UNAIDS report said the abrupt cuts have 'destabilized supply chains, led to the closure of health facilities, left thousands of health clinics without staff, set back prevention programs, disrupted HIV testing efforts and forced many community organizations to reduce or halt their HIV activities.' South Africa, where more people live with HIV than anywhere else in the world, has said 12 specialized HIV clinics that were funded by the U.S. have had to close down and over 8,000 health workers in its national HIV program are out of work. Now health workers there and elsewhere are trying to track down an unknown number of people who have lost access to HIV medication. The stakes are deadly. Stopping the drugs allows the virus to start multiplying again. HIV can rebound to detectable levels in people's blood in just a few weeks, putting sexual partners at risk. The virus could even become drug-resistant. 'It has really been hectic for us,' said Mbonisiwe Hlongwane, manager of the HIV program at the Bertha Gxowa public hospital in Germiston, east of Johannesburg. And the uncertainty only continues. Advertisement Associated Press writer Mogomotsi Magome in Johannesburg contributed reporting.
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Health
- The Advertiser
'Now I can help': Newcastle councillor welcomes Lifeblood changes to donation rules
GROWING up, Newcastle Labor councillor Declan Clausen heard Lifeblood's calls for donors. As a gay man, he wasn't allowed to help. "Not because my blood wasn't safe, but because of outdated rules rooted in stereotypes and stigma," he said. "Being denied the opportunity to help others in need has always felt deeply unfair." As of this week, he can make his first plasma donation after Australian Red Cross Lifeblood removed most sexual activity wait times for life-saving plasma donations. The change means many gay and bisexual men, transgender people, sex workers, and people on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can now help save lives. For decades, donor rules prevented many people from the LGBTQIA+ and sex worker communities from donating plasma if they had sex within the past three months. Cr Clausen has long championed reform, and said the changes introduced this week were a major step forward. "I've always believed that blood donation policies should be based on actual risk, not outdated assumptions tied to identity," he said. "They [the changes] recognise the science, and will finally allow thousands of Australians, including me, to contribute." Plasma, the "liquid gold" part of blood, is the donation type most needed by Australian patients, with treatment for more than 50 medical conditions reliant on its supply. In Newcastle and Maitland alone, about 100 plasma donors are still needed every day, seven days a week. Newcastle Pride committee member Krys Sutton has been in a long-term, committed relationship. Mr Sutton said he was disappointed he could not donate when Lifeblood put the call out, and expected it would take time for trust to be rebuilt with the LGBTQIA+ community. "I think it's something that everyone should do because they can, and it's free," he said. "Once the legislation changes [around blood donations], we can come through and do this, be part of the community and give back. I think that's really important." The new rules mean about 625,000 Australians may become eligible to donate plasma, and Lifeblood expects about 95,000 extra plasma donations will be made each year. The changes mean those on PrEP will become the first in the world to donate plasma without a wait period. Cr Clausen said what made Australia's system particularly special was that it relied on the generosity of voluntary, unpaid donors. "The need is real, and now that I'm eligible, I'm proud to help," he said. "Once the broader changes to blood donation rules come into effect next year, I absolutely intend to donate blood too. "Donating blood and plasma to help save lives shouldn't depend on who you love. It should depend only on whether you're healthy and willing to give." Over the next 12 months, Lifeblood estimates an extra 24,000 donors will give plasma. Lifeblood chief executive officer Stephen Cornelissen said patient safety would always be Lifeblood's top priority, and that extensive research and modelling had shown the changes can be implemented without compromising the safety of Australia's blood supply. "While the rules were put in place to ensure a safe blood supply in the past, we know they have contributed to the stigma faced by many and hope today will be a turning point for Lifeblood and the LGBTQIA+ community and that people will feel welcome to come forward to donate their life-saving plasma," he said. Lifeblood has made changes to blood and platelets donation eligibility, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recently approving a submission to remove gender-based sexual activity rules. The changes, known as gender-neutral assessments, are expected to be introduced next year. Once implemented, all donors will be asked the same questions about sexual activity, regardless of gender or sexuality, and most people in a sexual relationship of six months or more with a single partner will be eligible to donate blood. Lifeblood's chief medical officer, Jo Pink, said its submission to change rules for blood donation included data that showed, for now, a six-month wait was the safest option for Australian patients. Dr Pink said Lifeblood was committed to reviewing the wait as more evidence became available. "There are many steps that Lifeblood needs to take before we can implement the new gender-neutral assessments, including working with state and territory governments to change the donor questionnaire," she said. "We hope to be able to implement this part of the changes next year." To book a donation call 13 14 95, visit or download the Donate Blood App. GROWING up, Newcastle Labor councillor Declan Clausen heard Lifeblood's calls for donors. As a gay man, he wasn't allowed to help. "Not because my blood wasn't safe, but because of outdated rules rooted in stereotypes and stigma," he said. "Being denied the opportunity to help others in need has always felt deeply unfair." As of this week, he can make his first plasma donation after Australian Red Cross Lifeblood removed most sexual activity wait times for life-saving plasma donations. The change means many gay and bisexual men, transgender people, sex workers, and people on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can now help save lives. For decades, donor rules prevented many people from the LGBTQIA+ and sex worker communities from donating plasma if they had sex within the past three months. Cr Clausen has long championed reform, and said the changes introduced this week were a major step forward. "I've always believed that blood donation policies should be based on actual risk, not outdated assumptions tied to identity," he said. "They [the changes] recognise the science, and will finally allow thousands of Australians, including me, to contribute." Plasma, the "liquid gold" part of blood, is the donation type most needed by Australian patients, with treatment for more than 50 medical conditions reliant on its supply. In Newcastle and Maitland alone, about 100 plasma donors are still needed every day, seven days a week. Newcastle Pride committee member Krys Sutton has been in a long-term, committed relationship. Mr Sutton said he was disappointed he could not donate when Lifeblood put the call out, and expected it would take time for trust to be rebuilt with the LGBTQIA+ community. "I think it's something that everyone should do because they can, and it's free," he said. "Once the legislation changes [around blood donations], we can come through and do this, be part of the community and give back. I think that's really important." The new rules mean about 625,000 Australians may become eligible to donate plasma, and Lifeblood expects about 95,000 extra plasma donations will be made each year. The changes mean those on PrEP will become the first in the world to donate plasma without a wait period. Cr Clausen said what made Australia's system particularly special was that it relied on the generosity of voluntary, unpaid donors. "The need is real, and now that I'm eligible, I'm proud to help," he said. "Once the broader changes to blood donation rules come into effect next year, I absolutely intend to donate blood too. "Donating blood and plasma to help save lives shouldn't depend on who you love. It should depend only on whether you're healthy and willing to give." Over the next 12 months, Lifeblood estimates an extra 24,000 donors will give plasma. Lifeblood chief executive officer Stephen Cornelissen said patient safety would always be Lifeblood's top priority, and that extensive research and modelling had shown the changes can be implemented without compromising the safety of Australia's blood supply. "While the rules were put in place to ensure a safe blood supply in the past, we know they have contributed to the stigma faced by many and hope today will be a turning point for Lifeblood and the LGBTQIA+ community and that people will feel welcome to come forward to donate their life-saving plasma," he said. Lifeblood has made changes to blood and platelets donation eligibility, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recently approving a submission to remove gender-based sexual activity rules. The changes, known as gender-neutral assessments, are expected to be introduced next year. Once implemented, all donors will be asked the same questions about sexual activity, regardless of gender or sexuality, and most people in a sexual relationship of six months or more with a single partner will be eligible to donate blood. Lifeblood's chief medical officer, Jo Pink, said its submission to change rules for blood donation included data that showed, for now, a six-month wait was the safest option for Australian patients. Dr Pink said Lifeblood was committed to reviewing the wait as more evidence became available. "There are many steps that Lifeblood needs to take before we can implement the new gender-neutral assessments, including working with state and territory governments to change the donor questionnaire," she said. "We hope to be able to implement this part of the changes next year." To book a donation call 13 14 95, visit or download the Donate Blood App. GROWING up, Newcastle Labor councillor Declan Clausen heard Lifeblood's calls for donors. As a gay man, he wasn't allowed to help. "Not because my blood wasn't safe, but because of outdated rules rooted in stereotypes and stigma," he said. "Being denied the opportunity to help others in need has always felt deeply unfair." As of this week, he can make his first plasma donation after Australian Red Cross Lifeblood removed most sexual activity wait times for life-saving plasma donations. The change means many gay and bisexual men, transgender people, sex workers, and people on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can now help save lives. For decades, donor rules prevented many people from the LGBTQIA+ and sex worker communities from donating plasma if they had sex within the past three months. Cr Clausen has long championed reform, and said the changes introduced this week were a major step forward. "I've always believed that blood donation policies should be based on actual risk, not outdated assumptions tied to identity," he said. "They [the changes] recognise the science, and will finally allow thousands of Australians, including me, to contribute." Plasma, the "liquid gold" part of blood, is the donation type most needed by Australian patients, with treatment for more than 50 medical conditions reliant on its supply. In Newcastle and Maitland alone, about 100 plasma donors are still needed every day, seven days a week. Newcastle Pride committee member Krys Sutton has been in a long-term, committed relationship. Mr Sutton said he was disappointed he could not donate when Lifeblood put the call out, and expected it would take time for trust to be rebuilt with the LGBTQIA+ community. "I think it's something that everyone should do because they can, and it's free," he said. "Once the legislation changes [around blood donations], we can come through and do this, be part of the community and give back. I think that's really important." The new rules mean about 625,000 Australians may become eligible to donate plasma, and Lifeblood expects about 95,000 extra plasma donations will be made each year. The changes mean those on PrEP will become the first in the world to donate plasma without a wait period. Cr Clausen said what made Australia's system particularly special was that it relied on the generosity of voluntary, unpaid donors. "The need is real, and now that I'm eligible, I'm proud to help," he said. "Once the broader changes to blood donation rules come into effect next year, I absolutely intend to donate blood too. "Donating blood and plasma to help save lives shouldn't depend on who you love. It should depend only on whether you're healthy and willing to give." Over the next 12 months, Lifeblood estimates an extra 24,000 donors will give plasma. Lifeblood chief executive officer Stephen Cornelissen said patient safety would always be Lifeblood's top priority, and that extensive research and modelling had shown the changes can be implemented without compromising the safety of Australia's blood supply. "While the rules were put in place to ensure a safe blood supply in the past, we know they have contributed to the stigma faced by many and hope today will be a turning point for Lifeblood and the LGBTQIA+ community and that people will feel welcome to come forward to donate their life-saving plasma," he said. Lifeblood has made changes to blood and platelets donation eligibility, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recently approving a submission to remove gender-based sexual activity rules. The changes, known as gender-neutral assessments, are expected to be introduced next year. Once implemented, all donors will be asked the same questions about sexual activity, regardless of gender or sexuality, and most people in a sexual relationship of six months or more with a single partner will be eligible to donate blood. Lifeblood's chief medical officer, Jo Pink, said its submission to change rules for blood donation included data that showed, for now, a six-month wait was the safest option for Australian patients. Dr Pink said Lifeblood was committed to reviewing the wait as more evidence became available. "There are many steps that Lifeblood needs to take before we can implement the new gender-neutral assessments, including working with state and territory governments to change the donor questionnaire," she said. "We hope to be able to implement this part of the changes next year." To book a donation call 13 14 95, visit or download the Donate Blood App. GROWING up, Newcastle Labor councillor Declan Clausen heard Lifeblood's calls for donors. As a gay man, he wasn't allowed to help. "Not because my blood wasn't safe, but because of outdated rules rooted in stereotypes and stigma," he said. "Being denied the opportunity to help others in need has always felt deeply unfair." As of this week, he can make his first plasma donation after Australian Red Cross Lifeblood removed most sexual activity wait times for life-saving plasma donations. The change means many gay and bisexual men, transgender people, sex workers, and people on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can now help save lives. For decades, donor rules prevented many people from the LGBTQIA+ and sex worker communities from donating plasma if they had sex within the past three months. Cr Clausen has long championed reform, and said the changes introduced this week were a major step forward. "I've always believed that blood donation policies should be based on actual risk, not outdated assumptions tied to identity," he said. "They [the changes] recognise the science, and will finally allow thousands of Australians, including me, to contribute." Plasma, the "liquid gold" part of blood, is the donation type most needed by Australian patients, with treatment for more than 50 medical conditions reliant on its supply. In Newcastle and Maitland alone, about 100 plasma donors are still needed every day, seven days a week. Newcastle Pride committee member Krys Sutton has been in a long-term, committed relationship. Mr Sutton said he was disappointed he could not donate when Lifeblood put the call out, and expected it would take time for trust to be rebuilt with the LGBTQIA+ community. "I think it's something that everyone should do because they can, and it's free," he said. "Once the legislation changes [around blood donations], we can come through and do this, be part of the community and give back. I think that's really important." The new rules mean about 625,000 Australians may become eligible to donate plasma, and Lifeblood expects about 95,000 extra plasma donations will be made each year. The changes mean those on PrEP will become the first in the world to donate plasma without a wait period. Cr Clausen said what made Australia's system particularly special was that it relied on the generosity of voluntary, unpaid donors. "The need is real, and now that I'm eligible, I'm proud to help," he said. "Once the broader changes to blood donation rules come into effect next year, I absolutely intend to donate blood too. "Donating blood and plasma to help save lives shouldn't depend on who you love. It should depend only on whether you're healthy and willing to give." Over the next 12 months, Lifeblood estimates an extra 24,000 donors will give plasma. Lifeblood chief executive officer Stephen Cornelissen said patient safety would always be Lifeblood's top priority, and that extensive research and modelling had shown the changes can be implemented without compromising the safety of Australia's blood supply. "While the rules were put in place to ensure a safe blood supply in the past, we know they have contributed to the stigma faced by many and hope today will be a turning point for Lifeblood and the LGBTQIA+ community and that people will feel welcome to come forward to donate their life-saving plasma," he said. Lifeblood has made changes to blood and platelets donation eligibility, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recently approving a submission to remove gender-based sexual activity rules. The changes, known as gender-neutral assessments, are expected to be introduced next year. Once implemented, all donors will be asked the same questions about sexual activity, regardless of gender or sexuality, and most people in a sexual relationship of six months or more with a single partner will be eligible to donate blood. Lifeblood's chief medical officer, Jo Pink, said its submission to change rules for blood donation included data that showed, for now, a six-month wait was the safest option for Australian patients. Dr Pink said Lifeblood was committed to reviewing the wait as more evidence became available. "There are many steps that Lifeblood needs to take before we can implement the new gender-neutral assessments, including working with state and territory governments to change the donor questionnaire," she said. "We hope to be able to implement this part of the changes next year." To book a donation call 13 14 95, visit or download the Donate Blood App.
Black America Web
5 days ago
- Health
- Black America Web
Tamar Braxton & Gilead Partner For PrEP Promo To Black Women
Getty Images for ESSENCE Tamar Braxton has always been one to use her voice for good — good music, that is! — and now she's getting even louder with a new partnership alongside Gilead Sciences that will aim to promote HIV prevention like PrEP specifically to Black women. The big news was revealed this past weekend during Essence Festival 2025, where Tamar sat on the 'Safe & Sexy' panel for those who were able to visit the Global Black Economic Forum stage. RELATED: FDA Approves First And Only Twice-Yearly PrEP Option 'I'm all about dating with confidence,' she shared with guests on her reasoning behind the Gilead union, going on further add, 'Black women have stopped talking about HIV, and it needs to be part of our conversation again.' This comes not too long after Tamar went viral earlier this year for revealing that she herself takes PrEP, at the time sharing the news in a video posted to social media (seen below) where she blamed the current dating pool and its lack of options for, in her words, 'not being for the outside.' For Gilead, the partnership comes with perfect timing following The World Health Organization officially recommending its twice-yearly PrEP injection, lenacapavir, in the global fight against HIV infection. More details below, via Reuters : 'The recommendation, issued at the International AIDS Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, comes nearly a month after the U.S. health regulator approved the drug, giving patients new hope of interrupting virus transmission. The twice-yearly injectable offers a long-acting alternative to daily oral pills and other shorter-acting options, reshaping the response to the disease especially among those who face challenges with daily adherence, stigma, or access to health care. 'While an HIV vaccine remains elusive, lenacapavir is the next best thing,' said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. The WHO's recommendations come at a critical moment as HIV prevention efforts stagnate with 1.3 million new HIV infections occurring in 2024 as funding challenges, stigma around the disease persist.' As we all should know by now, HIV has affected the Black community at a disproportionate rate compared to other race groups since the epidemic first began decades ago. As a result, we should be doing everything in our power to change those statistics and hopefully rid them altogether. Shoutout to Tamar for using her platform to spread some news that can save a life. You can visit HealthySexuals to get educated on PrEP medications and other honest conversations. SEE ALSO
