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Reported by Amos Dachung (Sele Media Africa Reporter)

Landmark Deal Paves Way for Cheaper HIV Protection Jab

A breakthrough agreement has been reached that could dramatically lower the cost of a long‑acting HIV prevention injection, making it accessible to over 100 low‑ and middle‑income countries. The drug, called lenacapavir, will be available for approximately US40 per person per year starting in 2027, according to announcements from international health bodies and drug manufacturers. [1]

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Key Details

•⁠ ⁠Lenacapavir is a twice‑yearly injectable form of HIV pre‑exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Clinical trials have shown that it is highly effective at preventing new HIV infections. [1]
•⁠ ⁠India‑based generic drug manufacturers Dr Reddy’s Laboratories and Hetero Labs, under royalty‑free licenses granted by Gilead Sciences, will produce the generic versions of lenacapavir for affected countries. The deal is supported by global health partners including Unitaid, the Gates Foundation, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative. [1] •⁠ ⁠The current cost of the branded version in high‑income settings is over US28,000 per year, making this price cut a potentially transformative change for HIV prevention efforts in resource‑limited settings. [2]

Implications & Challenges

•⁠ ⁠This deal is expected to improve access to HIV prevention for millions who are at high risk but previously could not afford daily oral PrEP or face barriers due to stigma or lack of healthcare infrastructure. The twice‑yearly injection could also help improve adherence. [2]
•⁠ ⁠Experts warn, however, that there are still logistical challenges: obtaining regulatory approval in each country, building supply chains, ensuring that health systems are ready to deliver injections rather than daily pills, and mobilizing funding to cover initial rollout. [3]
•⁠ ⁠Some countries are already making early moves. For example, Kenya has developed an implementation plan, estimating that the injection rollout could start soon and setting the price at the equivalent of Sh5,400 (≈ US$40) per person per year.

David Joshua Oliver

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