HIV Fight Advances: New Drug May Reach Millions in Low-Income Countries
A groundbreaking HIV prevention drug could become accessible in some of the world’s poorest countries by late 2025 or early 2026, Hui Yang, head of supply operations at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, revealed on Tuesday.
The drug, Gilead Sciences’ lenacapavir, has shown significant promise. While currently approved as a treatment for multi-drug-resistant HIV, clinical trials this year confirmed its effectiveness in preventing HIV infection. Gilead is actively pursuing global regulatory approvals for its expanded use.
Yang emphasized the urgency of ensuring equitable distribution once the injectable drug is greenlit, noting, “We don’t want low and low-middle-income countries to wait, to be at the back of the line,” referring to historical disparities in access to HIV treatments.
Steps to Bridge Access Gaps
To accelerate access, the Global Fund has partnered with the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), supported by funding from organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation. Their goal is to provide affordable access to lenacapavir “from day one” in the countries they serve, with an ambition to reach two million people within three years.
Gilead Sciences has already signed agreements with six generic manufacturers to produce and sell cheaper versions of lenacapavir in 120 low and middle-income countries. However, critics have pointed out that this strategy excludes some nations, particularly in Latin America.
Currently, no finalized agreements exist between the Global Fund, Gilead, or the generic manufacturers, but Yang stressed their commitment to working with all parties to overcome affordability and accessibility challenges.
Gilead did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the matter.
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HIV Fight Advances: New Drug May Reach Millions in Low-Income Countries: New Drug May Reach Millions in Low-Income Countries
