Shiver Me Timbers! A New Potion to Ward Off the Dreaded HIV!

Why is the Rum Always Gone?

Savvy? It appears there's a new elixir on the horizon a draught so potent it promises to keep the dreaded HIV at bay! The Food and Drug Administration in its infinite wisdom has bestowed its blessing upon Gilead's 'Yeztugo,' a twice yearly injection that aims to send the scurvy virus back to the depths from whence it came. It's like finding Isla de Muerta but instead of gold it's… well life! But hold yer horses mateys 'cause even with a favorable wind there be storms ahead.

The Devil You Know… and Inject

Now this Yeztugo or Lenacapavir as the landlubbers call it is a cunning piece of work. Two trials they say and nearly wiped out new HIV infections. Twice a year a mere prick of a needle compared to swigging potions daily or every other month? It’s like trading a leaky dinghy for the Black Pearl! Seems Gilead’s tryin’ to steer us clear of the 1.3 million new infections and 630,000 deaths in 2023 alone. But mark my words even the best maps don't show all the hidden reefs.

Price Tags and Pieces of Eight

Ah here's where the Kraken stirs. This miracle potion Yeztugo comes with a price – a hefty $28,218 a year! That's enough to make even Barbossa think twice. They say it's in line with existing potions like Gilead’s Truvada and Descovy or GSK's Apretude. But let's be honest that's more doubloons than most pirates can plunder in a year. Gilead promises to make it accessible with insurance and copay programs. But will it truly reach those who need it most? That's the question isn't it?

A Generous Pirate or a Greedy Merchant?

Gilead bless their philanthropic hearts (or profit driven minds) is granting licenses to produce cheaper versions in lower income countries. They'll even supply doses at no profit until then! Now that's a gesture worthy of a pirate with a hidden heart of gold. But let's not forget they also sell the same stuff as 'Sunlenca' for treating HIV at over $42,200 per year. Could be made for as little as $26 to $40 a year? Savvy?

The Stigma's the Real Curse

For a decade these preventative pills have been available yet infections are still afloat or rising. 'Tis because of the dreaded stigma the whispers and shadows that make folk shy away from protection. Getting a twice a year injection offers privacy they say. But privacy ain't worth much if you can't afford the bloody potion. The real battle ain't just about medicine it's about hearts and minds especially for those marginalized scallywags.

Storm Clouds on the Horizon

But here's the rub mateys! These landlubbing politicians are talkin' about cuttin' funding for HIV prevention! Medicaid the safety net for those who can't afford their own ships is under threat! 'The entire foundation for HIV prevention in America is under attack!' they cry. If these cuts go through then people taking PrEP 'could start to slip off' and HIV infections could rise in many communities. It's like tryin' to sail against the wind – a fool's errand!