South Africa: Regulators give green light to new antiretroviral medication

The South African health regulator, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), has approved a new antiretroviral medication, known as islatravir, for use in the country.

Islatravir is a long-acting antiretroviral drug that is designed to be taken less frequently than traditional HIV medications, which can improve adherence to treatment and reduce the risk of drug resistance.

“This approval is a major breakthrough in the fight against HIV/AIDS in South Africa. Islatravir has the potential to significantly improve the lives of people living with HIV by providing a more convenient and effective treatment option,” said the CEO of SAHPRA, Dr. Fareed Abdullah.

The approval of islatravir is a significant development for South Africa, which has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world. According to UNAIDS, there were approximately 7.7 million people living with HIV in South Africa in 2020, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been shown to be highly effective in reducing the risk of transmission and improving health outcomes for people living with HIV.

Key Facts:

Islatravir is a long-acting antiretroviral medication that is designed to be taken less frequently than traditional HIV medications.
The medication has been shown to be highly effective in reducing the risk of transmission and improving health outcomes for people living with HIV.
The approval of islatravir is a significant development for South Africa, which has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world.

Author's note:

The approval of islatravir is a significant step forward in the fight against HIV/AIDS in South Africa, and has the potential to improve the lives of millions of people living with the virus. However, access to the medication remains a challenge, and efforts must be made to ensure that it is available and affordable for all who need it.

ZAWYA — 2025-11-28