Health

Lenacapavir: The $40 Breakthrough Drug Changing the Fight Against HIV

Published

6 months ago

2 October 2025

Lenacapavir is being described as one of the most promising tools in the fight against HIV. Known by brand names such as Yeztugo (for prevention) and Sunlenca (for treatment), it belongs to a new class of HIV drugs called capsid inhibitors. Unlike current daily pills, lenacapavir is adminsited as an injection only twice a year. For South Africa, where HIV continues to affect millions, this development could be transformative.

Why Lenacapavir Matters

The HIV capsid is the protective shell around the virus. Lenacapavir works by blocking this shell’s ability to function properly at different stages of the virus’s life cycle. Because targets multiple stages of the virus’s life cycle, it remains effective against HIV strains resistant to other medicines.

Globally, lenacapavir has already been approved for people with multidrug-resistant HIV-1, but it has the potential to be better than pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). In July 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended lenacapavir as a new HIV prevention option.

Clinical Results Show Positive Results

Trials have shown extraordinary results. In one test, cisgender women who received lenacapavir had zero new HIV infections. In another trial, involving cisgender men, transgender, and gender-diverse participants, infection rates dropped by about 96% compared to background levels.

Across both trials, over 99.9 % of participants receiving lenacapavir stayed HIV negative. A large comparison also confirmed that the injection was more effective than the daily pill Truvada.

South Africa’s HIV Challenge

About 7.8 million South Africans, roughly 12.7 % of the population live with HIV. Each year, more than 200,000 new infections are recorded, with young women and girls leading the way.

Daily PrEP pills come with challenges such as stigma, long clinic visits, and costs. A twice-yearly injection could remove these problems.

When Will It Arrive ?

The government has signaled interest in rolling out lenacapavir at more than 300 public clinics between 2026 and 2028, especially in high-burden districts. Before that, it needs approval from SAHPRA (South African Health Products Regulatory Authority) and inclusion on the Essential Medicines List, which allows public procurement.

Funding is also a factor. The Global Fund has already budgeted around R513 million to help South Africa secure supplies, even before generics hit the market.

The $40 Breakthrough

In the United States, branded lenacapavir can cost up to USD 28,000 per year, which is expensive for many people. But in September 2025, a global deal was struck that will allow lenacapavir to be available for just USD 40 (about R730) per year across low and middle-income countries, starting in 2027.

This price is lower than what South Africa currently spends on daily PrEP pills, which cost about R629 per person annually . If the country is included in the deal, the cost barrier that has long slowed new HIV technologies could finally be overcome.

Challenges Ahead

Many are looking towards SAHPRA and other policy bodies to give the greenlight for its use. Clinics will need to adapt by managing injections and tracking patients. Communities need to be educated about the injection and its benefits.

The Bottom Line

Lenacapavir offers a opportunity to reshape the global fight against HIV. With near-100% protection in trials and a plan to bring the price to $40 per year, this is a welcome development.

As HIV continues to affect millions of lives, lenacapavir could become the tool that turns the tide. The next few years are crucial as this breakthrough is expected to change millions of lives.

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Health

Unexplained Weight Gain? It Could Be a Sign of PCOS

Published

6 days ago

6 April 2026

Tega Ekeri

Photo - Pinterest

Weight gain that happens without a clear change in diet or activity is often treated as a lifestyle issue. However, clinical research points to a more complex possibility: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects how the ovaries function. One key aspect is its impact on weight. This goes beyond calorie intake and expenditure. Many women with PCOS experience metabolic changes that make weight gain easier and weight loss more difficult.

Photo – Pinterest

A key factor is insulin resistance. The body produces insulin but does not use it effectively. As a result, insulin levels rise, which encourages fat storage, particularly around the abdomen. This explains why some women gain weight even when their routines have not changed significantly.

Hormonal imbalance also contributes. Elevated levels of androgens, hormones commonly associated with male physiology, are typical in PCOS. These can affect metabolism and contribute to fat storage. At the same time, irregular ovulation affects how the body regulates energy use.

Photo – Pinterest

PCOS-related weight gain rarely occurs alone. It often appears alongside irregular menstrual cycles, acne, thinning hair on the scalp, or increased hair growth on the face and body. When these symptoms occur together, they form a pattern that should not be ignored.

Early recognition is important. PCOS is associated with a higher risk of long-term conditions, including Type 2 Diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In this context, weight gain signals underlying metabolic issues rather than a cosmetic concern.

Photo – Pinterest

Management varies by individual. Doctors may recommend dietary adjustments, regular physical activity, and, in some cases, medication to improve insulin sensitivity or regulate hormones. The goal is to stabilise the body’s metabolic response over time.

For anyone experiencing unexplained weight gain, especially alongside other symptoms, it is worth seeking medical advice. Identifying PCOS early allows for targeted management and better long-term health outcomes.

Health

The Truth About Perimenopausal Weight Gain and How to Keep It in Check

Published

3 weeks ago

19 March 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo:Getty images

Perimenopause is a phase before menopause, which usually affects women in their 40s. During this time, many women notice unexplained weight gain which could be frustrating. Here are some reasons it happens and how to manage it.

Why Weight Gain Happens During Perimenopause

One of the reasons weight gain happens during perimenopause is change in the hormones. Levels of estrogen reduce, affecting how the body regulates metabolism. Studies show that while menopause itself does not cause weight gain, they are linked to increased body fat.

Photo: Getty images

Lower estrogen causes hunger and fullness hormones . This makes women feel hungry after meals. As a result, calorie intake may increase without a person knowing.

Aging also plays an important role. The body muscle mass naturally reduces with age. Without making the right adjustments in daily activity and nutrition, weight gain happens.

Photo: Getty images

Another factor during Perimenopause is sleep stress. Sleeping disorders affect hormones that control appetite. Experts note that many women gain weight during this time, though experiences are different.

How to Keep Perimenopausal Weight Gain in Check

1. Practice Strength Training

Photo :Getty images

Building muscle becomes important during perimenopause. Muscle helps maintain metabolism and improves glucose usage. Health experts recommend combining aerobic exercise with various muscle activities.

2. Take Balanced Diet Meals

Instead of dieting, experts encourage eating food rich in vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Adequate protein intake helps preserve muscle and supports fullness. Calorie reduction can slow metabolism and make weight management harder.

3. Sleep

Photo: Getty images

Getting the required sleep everyday goes a long way to improve your health. Everything doesn’t have to be work or movies, sleeping 7-8 hours daily is recommended. Poor sleep can cause weight gain. It’s advisable to sleep early and avoid sleep disruptions to stabilize appetite.

4. Avoid Stress

Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which promotes fat storage around the abdomen. Regular movement and relaxation practices can help support overall wellbeing.

5. Speak to a Professional

For some women, talking with a health professional helps manage symptoms. With their experience and knowledge, these experts can provide insights on how to manage this phase. .

Perimenopausal weight gain is real, but the above-mentioned tips help. Exercise, eat well and get enough sleep to maintain a healthy weight.

Health

Lupita Nyong’o Opens Up About Overlooking Fibroid Symptoms — 4 Warning Signs Women Should Know

Published

1 month ago

7 March 2026

Fadire Olusola

Source:Instagram

Lupita Nyong’o has spoken out about her struggle with uterine fibroids. She hopes her experience will encourage women to pay attention to their bodies. She revealed how many fibroids over the years. The Oscar winner said she has carried 77 uterine fibroids, and 25 were removed through surgery.

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths found around the uterus.They are common and affect millions of women worldwide. Studies suggest that 80% of women may develop fibroids during their childbearing years.

Photo: Instagram

Nyong’o said she ignored the symptoms for years because she thought it was part of being a woman. She advises women to talk to a professional when they notice reproductive health issues.

Here are four warning signs women should watch out for.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

One of the common signs of fibroids is heavy menstrual bleeding. This includes having periods that last longer than usual.

Nyong’o has spoken about experiencing heavy bleeding due to fibroids. Experts say if your period is heavy, consult a doctor.

Persistent Pelvic Pain

Another warning sign is abnormal pain in the pelvic area. Fibroids can grow large and press against nearby organs causing discomfort.

Some women describe this as a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen. Others experience sharp pain during their period.

Photo:Instagram

Nyong’o shared that pain was one of the symptoms she lived with for years before she understood the cause.

Frequent Urination

Large fibroids press on the bladder, causing frequent urination. This symptom is mistaken for a urinary issue. However, if frequent urination occurs along with other symptoms, it could be due to fibroids. Experts believe this happens when fibroids take up space in the pelvic area

Abdominal Swelling

Some fibroids cause swelling in the abdomen. In certain cases, the stomach appears bloated. This swelling is mistaken for weight gain. Fibroid sizes vary based on several factors.