In an ambitious bid to prevent the spread of HIV, several prominent global health organizations are backing two generic manufacturers to produce and distribute a low-cost version of a groundbreaking Gilead Sciences drug in dozens of low- and middle-income countries. This initiative aims to make HIV prevention more accessible and affordable.
The arrangements involve Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and Hetero—two of the largest purveyors of generic medicines—who will provide versions of lenacapavir at $40 per person per year in 120 countries starting in early 2027. The effort is spearheaded by Unitaid, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, and the Gates Foundation, which will offer both financing and technical support to ensure successful implementation.
The Gilead drug, known as Yeztugo, has generated significant attention due to study data indicating that a single set of injections every six months could offer nearly complete protection against HIV infection, a strategy known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Consequently, lenacapavir is being hailed as a potential game-changer in the fight against a pandemic that has persisted for over four decades.
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