A new HIV prevention drug, Lenacapavir, is set to be available at a significantly reduced cost in over 120 low- and middle-income countries, aiming to enhance access to vital HIV treatments. The injectable drug, which initially costs around $28,000 per person annually, will be priced at just $40 starting in 2027. This announcement follows negotiations led by the Clinton Foundation, in partnership with organizations including the Gates Foundation.

Lenacapavir has shown promising results in trials and received support from the World Health Organization for its role in preventing HIV. Administered biannually, it provides six months of protection against the virus, especially benefiting vulnerable populations such as adolescent girls, young women, and marginalized communities. The introduction of this long-acting injectable may also help address accessibility issues associated with the current daily oral HIV preventive drug, PrEP, which only 18% of eligible individuals use.

The new, generic formulation of Lenacapavir is awaiting regulatory approval but is expected to be available in about 18 months. With over 40 million people currently living with HIV globally, the initiative is crucial, especially as annual infection rates remain high. South Africa, which has nearly eight million residents living with HIV, is expected to be a key beneficiary of the new treatment.



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