A new long-acting HIV prevention drug called Lenacapavir, which is administered via injection twice a year, is set to become more accessible and affordable in over 120 low- and middle-income countries by 2027, with a target price of just $40 annually, down from the original $28,000.

Lenacapavir has shown promising trial results, including a 100% success rate, and has received backing from the WHO, with approvals already granted by the US FDA and the European Commission.

Supported by upfront funding from the Gates Foundation and partnerships with Indian pharmaceutical companies like Dr. Reddy's Laboratories and Hetero, the drug will be produced as affordable generics to expand access in resource-limited settings.

Key organizations such as Unitaid, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, the Gates Foundation, and various national governments are collaborating to ensure wider access and address barriers to HIV prevention.

Despite these advances, concerns remain about delayed access and limited coverage, especially in high-incidence, resource-limited countries not initially included in agreements, prompting ongoing calls for increased funding and broader distribution.

This initiative comes amid ongoing challenges in global HIV/AIDS efforts, including funding cuts and high infection rates, notably in South Africa, which has nearly eight million people living with HIV.

With support from the Gates Foundation's funding and volume guarantees, companies like Hetero aim to facilitate wider access to Lenacapavir, which could significantly impact HIV prevention efforts in high-burden regions.

Partnerships with the Global Fund and other initiatives aim to deliver the drug to at least one African country by the end of 2025, with the broader goal of expanding access across the continent.

These efforts are part of broader strategies to end the HIV epidemic by making effective prevention options more affordable and accessible worldwide.

The Gates Foundation has pledged over $80 million to support the market readiness and scale-up of generic Lenacapavir, aligning with global efforts to reduce HIV rates, which have declined by 82% in funded countries.

Initial manufacturing will occur in India, with plans to develop regional production to further expand access and reduce costs.

Modeling suggests that increasing access to affordable Lenacapavir in just 4% of the population in high-burden countries could prevent up to 20% of new HIV infections, highlighting its potential to help end the epidemic.

The $40 annual price point makes Lenacapavir comparable to oral PrEP options and could improve adherence among populations facing stigma or logistical barriers, potentially replacing less effective daily pills.