A new global deal may change the way HIV is prevented in poor and middle-income countries. Several large philanthropic groups and drug companies have agreed to provide a new prevention drug called lenacapavir at a much lower cost. Experts say this could be a major step in reducing new HIV infections.
Lenacapavir is different from the daily pills that people currently use. It is given as an injection only twice a year, making it easier for people to stay protected. Clinical studies show the drug is highly effective at preventing HIV when taken on schedule. Health leaders believe this long-acting injection could help millions of people, especially in communities where daily pill use is difficult.
The agreement involves Gilead, the company that developed lenacapavir, which has given licenses to six generic manufacturers. These companies will produce cheaper versions of the drug for 120 low- and middle-income countries. The price is expected to be about $40 per person per year, starting in 2027. The plan is supported by major organizations, including the Gates Foundation, Unitaid, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative, which will help ensure the drug is available and affordable.
In addition to the future generic versions, Gilead and the U.S. government’s PEPFAR program will supply the branded drug at no profit in several countries with high HIV infection rates. Their goal is to reach as many as two million people within the next three years. The World Health Organization has already recommended lenacapavir as a new prevention option.
However, there are still challenges. The lower-cost generics will not be available until 2027, and some countries with high HIV rates are excluded from the deal. Health systems in many regions may also struggle with the logistics of giving injections, storing the medicine, and making sure patients return for follow-up doses. Funding for HIV programs is another concern, as many nations face financial limits.
Despite these difficulties, experts call the deal historic. By combining scientific progress with fair pricing, the agreement offers new hope in the fight against HIV. If successful, it could mark the moment when the world took a big step closer to ending the epidemic.
