Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, is described as a breakthrough. Under new licensing agreements between Gilead and several Indian manufacturers, the drug will be offered in 120 low- and middle-income countries at around US$40 a year, with rollout expected from 2027 pending regulatory approval.
The Gates Foundation will support Indian company Hetero with upfront funding and volume guarantees; it says it has invested more than US$80 million to speed market readiness. Separately, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, Unitaid and South Africa’s Wits RHI will provide financial and technical help to Dr. Reddy’s so generics can be delivered from 2027 at the same price.
Advocates say many middle-income countries are excluded. The Access to Medicine Foundation reports 17 covered countries are left out; they made up 19 per cent of new HIV cases in 2023. A Lancet HIV study suggests scaling access to 4 per cent of the population in high-burden countries could prevent up to 20 per cent of new infections, but campaigners warn that funding for awareness, training and distribution is also essential.
Difficult words
- drug — A substance used for medical treatment.
- access — The opportunity to use something.
- campaigners — People who support a cause or change.
- assist — To help someone or something.assistance
- reduce — To make something smaller or less.
- transparency — Openness about actions and decisions.
- strategy — A plan to achieve a goal.strategies
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What are your thoughts on the importance of drug accessibility?
- How can awareness about new drugs be improved?
- What challenges do you think middle-income countries will face?
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