Gilead Sciences Inc. has announced a new licensing deal to provide its twice-yearly experimental HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir, to six generic drug manufacturers to produce affordable versions of the drug for 120 low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, once regulatory approval is secured. The company has been criticized for prioritizing profit over patient access, highlighting the urgent need for affordable treatment options for those at risk of HIV.
By partnering with these manufacturers, Gilead hopes to expand access to lenacapavir and address the ongoing challenges of HIV prevention and treatment. Related Stories Fidson healthcare signs deal with 3 Chinese firms to build pharmaceutical plant Lekki FTZ UNAIDS solicits $29 billion fund for Nigeria, other low-income countries to end HIV epidemic Lenacapavir has shown promise as a powerful new HIV prevention option, with impressive results in clinical trials. In one trial involving men and transgender people, only two out of more than 2,000 participants who received the drug contracted HIV.
In another trial involving women and adolescent girls in Africa, the drug prevented 100% of HIV cases. Although the drug has yet to be approved for prevention, research indicates that a generic version could be produced for as little as $40 per year. The drugs current list price in the US is $42,250 for the first year and $39,000 a year after that.
The encouraging trial results have increased pressure on Gilead to expedite a.
