HIV Prevention Breakthrough: Landmark Pact to Lower Drug Costs in Low-Income Countries

After a historic agreement, lenacapavir, an HIV preventive medication, will be more affordable in more than 100 low-income nations in the next two years.

In collaboration with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Unitaid, the Gates Foundation, Wits RHI, and other organizations, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) announced the arrangement on Wednesday.

Financial, technical, and regulatory support is given to Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories so that, after regulatory approval, generic versions of lenacapavir that are affordable and of high quality can be delivered to low- and middle-income nations by 2027.

Lenacapavir was proven to offer nearly complete protection against HIV and to greatly lower the risk of infection in clinical trials.

The effectiveness was shown to be greater than that of the main pre-exposure prophylactic (PrEP) alternatives. PrEP therapies have been used for years to prevent HIV infections.

The medication, which is injected twice a year, is expected to be made available as early as this year. It costs $28,000 per person each year.

The announcement on Wednesday, however, promises to reduce that price to just $40, or around 0.1 percent of the original price.

“It is truly transformative to be able to protect someone for six months with a single injection, at the same cost as the currently available daily pills,” said Bill Clinton, board chair and co-founder of CHAI.

“This collaboration represents an incredible innovation and a significant change in the realm of HIV prevention.” And I am humbled that CHAI can do its part in addressing the epidemic and giving the world a real chance to put an end to it,” he remarked.

The revolutionary new HIV prevention alternative gives millions at risk more convenience, longer protection, and optimism, according to Temitope Ilori, director-general of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA).

Lenacapavir is becoming more inexpensive thanks to the historic deal, she noted.

According to Ilori, “this agreement ensures that through this breakthrough innovation, it doesn’t just stay with the privileged few, but rather spares innovation with equity, laying the foundation for broad, long-lasting impact those that need it most.”

“To hasten the process of eliminating HIV as a public health concern, the Nigerian government is committed to increasing access to efficient prevention and fortifying our healthcare systems.

“To do this, we will make use of robust and creative collaborations between the public and commercial sectors.

“Many of you are present in this room as we take this bold step with partners to ensure a healthier and more resilient future, and lenacapavir is undoubtedly a tool in that fight.”