Light at the end of the tunnel, at last!It seems HIV is finally on its way to being defeated.In a groundbreaking development in the fight against HIV, a new injectable drug, lenacapavir, is set to revolutionize prevention efforts. And the wait isn’t for long either. Starting in 2027, this long-acting medication will be available in over 100 low and middle-income countries at an unprecedented and affordable price. This price reduction is a result of strategic partnerships between pharmaceutical companies and global health organizations. Why such a bold step? It’s to make HIV prevention more accessible than ever before, especially in regions where the epidemic has been most devastating.
What is Lenacapavir?
Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable antiretroviral drug developed by Gilead Sciences. Administered just twice a year, it has demonstrated over 99.9% effectiveness in preventing HIV transmission. Approved by the US FDA in June this year, under the brand name Yeztugo, lenacapavir offers a promising alternative to daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) pills, which can be challenging for some individuals to adhere to consistently.
Affordability as the central theme
Currently, the branded version of lenacapavir, marketed as Sunlenca, is priced at approximately $28,000 per year in the United States. However, in a significant move to enhance global access, through strategic partnerships and licensing agreements, Indian pharmaceutical companies Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and Hetero Labs have secured agreements to produce generic versions of lenacapavir. These generics will be priced keeping in mind the affordability of the low and middle-income countries.How much will it cost?The life-saving drug will be available at approximately $40 per year, making the drug accessible to populations in over 120 low- and middle-income countries.This initiative is the result of collaborative efforts among several organizations committed to combating HIV/AIDS. Unitaid, the Gates Foundation, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), and Wits RHI have partnered with Indian manufacturers to scale up the production and distribution of lenacapavir. These partnerships aim to ensure that the drug reaches the populations most in need, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where the burden of HIV is highest.Lenacapavir’s efficacy, coupled with its affordability, marks a significant milestone in HIV prevention, offering renewed hope in the global effort to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
What is HIV/AIDS?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. It is spread by contact with certain bodily fluids of a person with HIV, most commonly during unprotected sex (sex without a condom or HIV medicine to prevent or treat HIV), or through sharing injection drug equipment.If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).Within a few weeks of HIV infection, flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and fatigue can occur. Then the disease is usually asymptomatic until it progresses to AIDS. AIDS symptoms include weight loss, fever or night sweats, fatigue, and recurrent infections.
Looking ahead
The introduction of affordable, long-acting HIV prevention options like lenacapavir is expected to have a significant impact on global HIV transmission rates. By providing an alternative to daily oral PrEP, lenacapavir addresses adherence challenges and offers a more convenient option for individuals at risk. Experts believe that widespread use of lenacapavir could be a game-changer in efforts to end the HIV epidemic.However, while the availability of lenacapavir at an affordable price is a major step forward, there are still challenges to overcome. The rollout of the drug is scheduled for 2027, which means that immediate access is not yet available. Additionally, some high-incidence countries may not be included in the initial distribution plans, potentially limiting access in certain regions. Efforts are ongoing to expand access and ensure that the benefits of lenacapavir reach all populations at risk.
