/
RSS Feed
A revolutionary HIV prevention drug, Lenacapavir, will soon be available at a drastically reduced price in over 100 low- and middle-income countries—offering hope to millions and marking a major step toward ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Currently priced at $28,000 per person annually, Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable that protects against HIV infection for six months with just two doses per year. Thanks to a new agreement announced Wednesday, a generic version of the drug will be offered for just $40 per person per year—less than 0.1% of the original cost. Rollout is expected to begin in 2027.
The deal was brokered by the Clinton Health Access Initiative, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and other partners including Wits RHI in South Africa.
“For many low- and middle-income countries, affordable access to HIV prevention is not a luxury—it’s a necessity,” said Prof. Saiqa Mullick of Wits RHI. “Lenacapavir has the potential to transform prevention, especially for young people and underserved communities.”
A Game-Changer in HIV Prevention
Lenacapavir stops HIV from replicating inside cells and has shown exceptional results in trials. The World Health Organization officially recommended the drug for HIV prevention in July, and it has already been approved by both the U.S. FDA and the European Commission.
Unlike traditional PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) pills—which must be taken daily and carry stigma in some communities—Lenacapavir’s biannual injection makes it easier to use, discreet, and highly effective. PrEP, which also costs around $40 per year, is currently used by just 18% of people who need it globally.
According to one study, making Lenacapavir available to just 4% of a population could prevent up to 20% of new infections.
Hurdles Ahead — But the Opportunity Is Historic
The generic version of Lenacapavir still awaits regulatory approval, but could be ready for distribution within 18 months.
Health advocates stress that the next critical steps will involve mobilizing governments and communities to build demand and prepare public health systems for rollout.
The announcement comes amid challenges in global health financing, particularly following significant funding cuts by USAID under the Trump administration.
Despite decades of progress, over 40 million people still live with HIV, and 600,000 people died of AIDS-related illnesses last year alone. In 2024, 1.3 million people were newly infected with the virus.
South Africa, which has the world’s highest number of HIV cases (nearly 8 million), is expected to be among the first countries to benefit from the affordable version of Lenacapavir.
“We support any effort to make life-saving treatment like Lenacapavir affordable and accessible to countries in need,” said South Africa’s Department of Health.
