Gilead Sciences announced its intention to make affordable versions of its innovative HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir, accessible in 120 low and middle-income countries.
“This initiative will significantly reduce HIV infections,” the company, highlighting lenacapavir’s twice-yearly injection efficacy.
In clinical trials in South Africa and Uganda, lenacapavir demonstrated remarkable success in preventing infections among women. A later trial involving men across various nations, including Argentina and South Africa, showed nearly complete protection.
To expedite availability, Gilead has signed non-exclusive, royalty-free licensing agreements with six pharmaceutical companies—Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Emcure, Eva Pharma, Ferozsons Laboratories, Hetero, and Mylan (Viatris). “These agreements are a game changer for access,” a Gilead representative noted. They aim to facilitate the quick rollout of generic lenacapavir, even before global regulatory approvals.
In a further commitment, Gilead will provide its supply of lenacapavir to address immediate needs until licensed manufacturers are ready, prioritising registration in 18 countries with high HIV prevalence. These include Nigeria, Botswana, and Uganda, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, the Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Vietnam, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
“The agreements align with our mission to end the HIV epidemic globally,” the spokesperson stated. Gilead’s proactive approach aims to ensure sustainable access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for everyone, underscoring their vision of making essential health resources available to all.”
