From 2027, millions of people in 120 countries, including Kenya, will access lenacapavir at a lower cost. The HIV prevention drug will cost $40 (Sh5,170) per person each year for two injections.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Hetero Labs formed a partnership to make this possible. Hetero will produce a generic version of the drug to expand access in high-need regions. Gilead Sciences developed the original version.
The generic will cost $20 (Sh2,585) per shot. It will require a short oral treatment before the first injection. This is far cheaper than the branded drug, which costs thousands of dollars in wealthier countries. @This partnership creates a sustainable and affordable supply of lenacapavir,” said Dr. Vamsi Krishna, Hetero Group Managing Director.
Lenacapavir blocks HIV by attacking its protective shell, stopping it from multiplying. Patients need only two injections per year. It helps people who struggle with daily oral PrEP pills and those with drug-resistant HIV.
Kenya’s Health Ministry previously capped oral PrEP costs at Sh6,000 per year. The new deal could cut costs further and improve access to the injectable form.
Separately, Unitaid, CHAI, and Wits RHI partnered with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, another Indian manufacturer. This will increase competition and reduce production costs. “One injection that protects for six months at the same price as daily pills is a game changer,” said Bill Clinton, CHAI’s co-founder. Large-scale production is expected to start in 2027, once regulators approve it.
The US FDA approved lenacapavir for PrEP use in June. WHO gave a global recommendation in July, followed by European Commission approval in August.
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