Not a licence to be wild
Medics hail new HIV drug offering six-month protection, but warn risks of getting other STIs remain
Published:Sunday | June 22, 2025 | 12:14 AMCorey Robinson - Senior Staff Reporter
A new drug has entered the market to help combat the spread of HIV, expand prevention options, and challenge the stigma often faced by those living with the virus. However, as with other HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medications, concerns remain that its availability could lead some individuals to become less cautious and overlook the risks of other prevalent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Yestugo (lenocapavir), manufactured by US-based verology company Gilead Sciences, last week became the first FDA-approved HIV prevention drug offering up to six months of potection. Distribution in the US is expected within the next few months, with international availability anticipated once additional regulatory approvals are secured.
This groundbreaking medication, two decades in the making, gives individuals the option of receiving just two injections—administered in the abdomen or thigh by a healthcare provider—every six months. Unlike current methods that require daily pills or frequent injections, this long-acting injectable reduces the need for ongoing HIV-related medication, experts say.
Still, Jamaica-born Rajaun Ellis, senior manager at Gilead Sciences, emphasised that while Yestugo represents significant progress, it should be viewed as one additional layer of protection – not a substitute for comprehensive sexual health practices. He cautioned against the kind of complacency that has been observed in parts of the US, where some users of PrEP medications have deprioritised protection against other STIs.
RISE IN SOME VISITS
Locally, the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ HIV/STI Prevention Unit has documented a consistent rise in visits to public health facilities for genital discharge syndrome – an umbrella term that includes gonorrhoea, chlamydia, trichomonas, bacterial vaginosis, and candidiasis.
“Even though HIV is considered an STI, these medications are to prevent HIV itself. It won’t prevent chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, etc,” Ellis stressed as he outlined the many benefits of the new drug. “Yes, you may have the protective piece for HIV, but there are other STIs, and it is still possible for you to get those. This is why we still counsel people on why condom use is important.”
Dr Jennifer Brown Tomlinson, medical director at Jamaica AIDS Support for Life (JASL), reinforced this point, noting that clients entering the PrEP programme are given thorough information about its purpose and limitations. Since the programme began five years ago with 50 participants, the number of individuals enrolled has risen to 700 – a level of uptake she describes as encouraging.
“We explain that the medication should be seen as just another layer of protection, and really, we still have to consider the fact that unprotected sex can expose you to things other than HIV. PrEP does not protect you from STIs, pregnancy,” said Tomlinson.
She noted, however: “People who come requesting PrEP are concerned about their sexual health, and they want to protect themselves. So, it is not that they want to be careless; it’s the opposite.”
Tomlinson welcomed the approval of the long-acting injectable, noting it would be especially beneficial for those who struggle with the daily pill regimen or the four-pill-per-encounter dosing required with the event-based version of Truvada – the PrEP drug currently provided free of charge by the Jamaican Government.
According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 2023 report, approximately 26,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS in Jamaica, split almost evenly between 13,000 men and 13,000 women over the age of 15. The report also estimated around 12,000 new infections among adults and children.
In terms of STI treatment trends, Ministry of Health and Wellness data revealed that visits for genital discharge syndromes rose from 21,909 in 2021 to 31,346 in 2022, then to 32,993 in 2023, and further to 34,411 in 2024. The ministry clarified that these numbers reflect visits rather than unique individuals, as one person may seek treatment multiple times. It also noted that significantly more women than men sought care for these infections.
Conversely, there has been a noticeable decline in genital ulcer diseases such as genital herpes, syphilis, and chancroid during the same period.
Meanwhile, Dr Tiffany Butterfield, lecturer in immunology at The University of the West Indies, explained that there is still a challenge, just like in all chronic illnesses, of persons maintaining their medication regimen, and that becomes more problematic when the drugs are preventative as opposed to a required part of treatment for an existing condition.
“The thing about taking PrEP is that persons are protected from contracting HIV, and so they may limit the other protective measures that we need for all the other sexually transmitted infections, which is the barrier or the use of condoms,” she said, noting that while there are overseas studies, there are no local research to affirm this in Jamaica.
According to Ellis, Yestugo has not been shown to interact adversely with any other medication being taken by users, and may cause minor irritation or swelling of the skin at the point of injection.