News | Infectious Diseases
Gilead to provide HIV prevention drug more cheaply to 120 countries, but concerns raised regarding excluded countries
Time to read: 03:23 mins
Time to listen: 03:43
Published on MedED: 7 October 2024
Type of article: News
MedED Catalogue Reference: MNG0048
Category: News
Category Cross-reference: Public Health, Infectious Disease
Keywords: HIV, infectious diseases,lenacapavir,
Top
Type of article: News
MedED Catalogue Reference: MNG0048
Category: News
Category Cross-reference: Public Health, Infectious Disease
Keywords: HIV, infectious diseases,lenacapavir,
Top
7 October 14:45
Gilead Sciences has announced plans to make generic versions of its groundbreaking HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir, available in 120 low- and middle-income countries. This move is poised to impact global public health efforts against HIV/AIDS significantly.
Administered as a twice-yearly injection, lenacapavir, has been hailed as a game-changer in HIV prevention. Clinical trials have demonstrated impressive results, with studies in South Africa, Uganda, and other countries showing the drug's effectiveness in halting HIV infections among diverse populations.
To facilitate widespread access, Gilead has entered licensing agreements with six manufacturers: Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Emcure Pharmaceuticals, Hetero Labs, Mylan (part of Viatris), Eva Pharma, and Ferozsons Laboratories. These companies will produce and distribute generic versions of lenacapavir, focusing on resource-limited areas with high HIV burdens.
Gilead's commitment extends to supplying the drug directly until these manufacturers are fully operational. The company is prioritizing early registration in 18 countries, including Botswana, South Africa, and Thailand.
While this initiative has garnered praise from global health leaders, some concerns remain. Critics point out that many upper-middle-income countries, particularly in Latin America where HIV incidence remains high, are excluded from the deal.
UNAids and other organizations have called for full transparency from Gilead regarding pricing and production costs to ensure equitable access. Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAids, expressed worry about excluding upper middle-income countries, which account for 41% of new HIV infections, potentially limiting the drug's impact.
As Gilead prepares to file for global regulatory approval for lenacapavir as an HIV prevention regimen by the end of this year, there is cautious optimism about its potential role in reducing the global HIV burden. Despite challenges, the broader expansion of lenacapavir access marks a critical milestone in global HIV prevention efforts.
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