Groundbreaking HIV Drug to Cost Just $40 Annually in 120 Poorer Nations by 2027
London - A groundbreaking, twice-yearly injectable drug for HIV prevention will be available at a dramatically reduced price in 120 low- and middle-income countries starting in 2027, thanks to new agreements with generic drug manufacturers. The drug, Lenacapavir, will be priced at just $40 per patient per year, a huge leap toward making a transformative tool for HIV prevention accessible to those who need it most.
Lenacapavir, which is administered as an injection every six months, almost completely prevented new HIV infections in clinical trials. Last year, there were 1.3 million new HIV infections globally, and experts believe this new drug, also known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), could significantly impact that figure. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended it as a preventive drug in July, with Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus calling it “the next best thing” to an HIV vaccine.
This affordable price tag stands in stark contrast to its initial list price of $28,218 per year in the U.S. Gilead, the company that developed the drug, has granted voluntary licenses to six generic manufacturers, including Dr. Reddy’s and Hetero Labs. These manufacturers will supply the drug to the 120 countries through various national HIV programs and organizations like the Global Fund.
Bill Clinton, former U.S. president and co-founder of the Clinton Health Access Initiative (Chai), hailed the rollout as a “genuine chance to end” the global HIV epidemic. The $40 price will make the injectable drug as affordable as oral PrEP pills, which many people at high risk of infection struggle to take due to the stigma of taking daily medication.
Challenges Remain on the Path to Widespread Access
While the agreements are a major victory for global health, challenges remain. Beatriz Grinsztejn, president of the International AIDS Society, welcomed the news but noted that availability in 2027 “still feels far away.” She emphasized the need for urgent, additional investment to ensure the drug reaches the most vulnerable people and to prevent delays.
There are also concerns about funding and accessibility. The Trump administration has suggested that its funding for lenacapavir should only apply to pregnant and breastfeeding women, which would exclude other high-risk groups such as men who have sex with men, sex workers, people who use drugs, and prisoners.
Additionally, many countries with rising HIV cases are not on the list of 120 countries included in the agreements. Unitaid has stated it is “committed to addressing access barriers” in these excluded nations. Efforts are being made to increase access before the generics become available, with organizations like PEPFAR and the Global Fund promising to procure the drug at no profit from Gilead for the interim.
Disclaimer: This content is published only for health awareness and informational purposes. It's not a substitute for your professional medical advice. You must consult a doctor/healthcare professional regarding your specific health concerns.
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