Affordable HIV-Prevention Drug Set to Reach $40 Annually by 2027

In a significant breakthrough for global HIV prevention efforts, generic versions of an innovative injectable HIV-prevention medication are anticipated to be accessible for just $40 per year starting in 2027 across over 100 countries. The announcement was made by Unitaid and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, highlighting their collaboration with Indian pharmaceutical companies to produce affordable generics of lenacapavir, a medication shown to reduce HIV transmission risk by over 99.9%. Currently marketed as Yeztugo by Gilead Sciences at approximately $28,000 annually in the U.S., the generic versions aim to expand access, especially in low- and middle-income nations where cost barriers have hindered widespread use.

Lenacapavir is a long-acting, twice-yearly injectable drug that offers a highly effective option for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The move toward generic manufacturing is crucial for scaling up HIV prevention, potentially helping to end the epidemic’s persistence. Gilead’s licensing deals with six Indian generic manufacturers announced last year marked the first step towards affordable PrEP options in resource-limited settings.

The partnerships involve companies such as Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and the Clinton Health Access Initiative, with production beginning in India and plans for regional manufacturing in the future. The Gates Foundation’s collaboration with Hetero Pharmaceuticals further emphasizes the global commitment to making lifesaving HIV prevention accessible.

Since global efforts started intensifying in 2010, new HIV infections have decreased by 40%. However, in 2024, an estimated 1.3 million individuals worldwide still contracted HIV. The introduction of low-cost generic lenacapavir aims to accelerate prevention initiatives, helping to curb new infections further and move closer to ending the epidemic.

This initiative aligns with broader strategies to enhance health equity, ensuring that advanced HIV prevention tools are available to those most in need. The efforts also involve commitments from the U.S. Government and international organizations to support affordable access in lower-income countries, with some units already slated for distribution in Africa by the end of 2025.