Lenacapavir: Revolutionary HIV drug to cost Just $40 in low-income countries
Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking HIV prevention drug that currently costs $28,000 annually will be available for just $40 in over 120 low- and middle-income countries by 2027, following a landmark agreement announced Wednesday.
Lenacapavir, administered through twice-yearly injections, delivers six months of HIV protection per dose and showed 100% effectiveness in trials.
The drug stops HIV from replicating inside cells and has received backing from the World Health Organization.
The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Gates Foundation, and South African research institute Wits RHI brokered the deal to slash costs by 99.9%, potentially transforming HIV prevention globally.
“For many countries, affordable HIV prevention is not a luxury, it is a necessity,” said Professor Saiqa Mullick from Wits RHI.
The injection could particularly benefit vulnerable populations including adolescent girls, LGBTQ+ individuals, and sex workers.
Currently, only 18% of those who could benefit from existing daily HIV prevention pills (PrEP) have access. The long-acting formula of Lenacapavir eliminates daily dosing challenges and associated stigma.
With over 40 million people living with HIV worldwide and 1.3 million new infections last year, experts believe increasing access to just 4% of populations could prevent 20% of new infections. The generic version awaits regulatory approval, with rollout expected by late 2026.
