U.S. Commits to Purchasing 2 Million Doses of HIV Prevention Medication for Low-Income Nations

In a significant move to combat the global HIV epidemic, the United States announced it will purchase enough of a new biannual HIV prevention shot to provide protection for up to two million individuals in low-income countries by 2028. This initiative aims to enhance HIV prevention efforts, particularly targeting the most vulnerable populations.

The drug involved is lenacapvir, developed by Gilead Sciences, which has already been approved for use in the U.S. and Europe. Unlike traditional daily PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) pills, lenacapvir is administered via shots twice a year, offering a highly effective alternative for those at high risk of HIV transmission. Studies have shown that this long-acting injection can nearly eliminate new infections among high-risk populations.

Previously, Gilead Sciences committed to providing these doses at no profit for use in low- and middle-income countries that are severely impacted by HIV. However, questions remained about how these supplies would be distributed amid recent reductions in U.S. foreign aid, which had disrupted HIV testing and treatment services worldwide.

Under the new plan, the U.S. will purchase the doses through the PEPFAR program and collaborate with national governments in affected countries to facilitate distribution. The primary focus will be to protect pregnant and breastfeeding women, a group at heightened risk.

This effort is also a collaboration with the Global Fund, which finances HIV treatment and prevention initiatives globally, although specific investment amounts have not been disclosed. U.S. officials hope that, with the support of international partners, this combined effort can help 2 million people access the preventive medication over the next three years, with potential for expansion.

Currently, over 30,000 new HIV infections are reported annually in the U.S., with 1.2 million people living with HIV. Globally, there are approximately 1.3 million new infections each year, and almost 40 million individuals are affected worldwide.

Experts regard lenacapvir as one of the most powerful options available for PrEP, especially considering its long-acting formulation, which addresses adherence issues common with daily regimens. The initiative underscores the importance of expanding access to innovative HIV prevention tools worldwide.

Additionally, international health authorities, including the UN AIDS agency, have urged governments and companies like Gilead to make these crucial preventive shots accessible globally, aiming to curb the spread of HIV more effectively.