Bill and Melinda Gates announced a $ 140 million investment for a subcutaneous implant that would prevent HIV infections.
They want to end AIDS in the world. Like many, you will tell me, but they have the financial means for their ambitions. Bill Gates, the richest man on the planet, and his wife Melinda have announced a colossal investment in HIV.
Their foundation has just funded, to the tune of 140 million euros, research on a device that could revolutionize the transmission of HIV if it proves to be effective. This is a subcutaneous implant that delivers antiretrovirals for six months to protect the wearer from possible infection.
Less invasive
In other words, this implant is another form of conditioning for PrEp (pre-exposure prophylaxis), this preventive treatment which makes it possible to avoid infection by HIV. In France, Truvada has obtained an RTU (temporary recommendation for use) and its Marketing Authorization (marketing authorization) is being studied at European level.
Very effective, this preventive treatment remains heavy, since it is necessary to absorb drugs every day, with a risk of omission. The pharmaceutical company that has received funding from the Gates Foundation wants to develop an implant of a few centimeters designed on the same principle as the one intended for type 2 diabetics that it has already developed itself, and which should arrive on the market. in 2017.
“There is an urgent need to intervene against AIDS, by offering those who are exposed to the risk to easily integrate prevention into their daily life,” says the Fondatipn Gates in a press release. We are optimistic about our partnership with Intarcia and the prospect of an implantable prophylactic device that can make a big difference for those who need it most. “
The idea is to target the populations most exposed to HIV, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The challenge is to produce an implant at low cost.
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