Landmark agreement reached to slash cost of HIV prevention drug in low-income countries

Lenacapavir, an HIV prevention drug, will be made available at a lower cost in over 100 low-income countries within two years, following a landmark deal.

The agreement, announced on Wednesday, was reached between the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), in partnership with Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Unitaid, the Gates Foundation, Wits RHI, and other groups.

It provides Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories with financial, technical, and regulatory support to deliver affordable, quality-assured generic versions of Lenacapavir to low and middle income countries by 2027, following regulatory approval.

In clinical trials, Lenacapavir was found to significantly reduce the risk of infection and provide almost total protection against HIV.

The efficacy was found to be higher than that of the primary options available for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Therapies called PrEP have been used to prevent HIV infections for years.

The drug, administered twice a year by injection, is due to be rolled out as early as the end of this year, at a cost of $28,000 per person annually.

However, Wednesday’s announcement promises to slash that price to just $40 — around 0.1 percent of the original cost.

Bill Clinton, board chair and co-founder of CHAI, said the ability to protect someone for six months with a single injection, at the same cost as the currently available daily pills, is truly transformational.

“This partnership marks a remarkable breakthrough and a fundamental shift in what’s possible for HIV prevention. And I’m humbled that CHAI can play its part — not only confronting the epidemic but helping give the world a genuine chance to end it,” he said.

Temitope Ilori, director-general of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), said the transformational new HIV prevention option offers longer protection, greater convenience, and renewed hope to millions at risk.

She said through the landmark agreement, affordable access to Lenacapavir is being unlocked.

“This agreement ensures that through this breakthrough innovation, it doesn’t just stay with the privileged few, but rather it spares innovation with equity, laying the foundation for broad, long-lasting impact for those that need it most,” Ilori said. 

“The government of Nigeria is determined to expand access to effective prevention and to strengthen our health systems to accelerate progress towards ending HIV as a public health threat.

“We are going to do this by leveraging on strong and innovative public and private sector partnerships.

“Together with partners, many of you are in this room, we are taking this bold step towards ensuring a healthier and more resilient future, and Lenacapavir surely is a tool in that fight.”