What is lenacapavir, this drug with unprecedented effectiveness but still too expensive?

A global partnership aims to deliver the promising HIV drug lenacapavir to two million people in three years. This initiative, coordinated by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, in collaboration with the American Pepfar program, marks a turning point in the fight against the epidemic. 20 Minutes takes stock of this drug that brings hope for patients but is still excessively expensive.

What are the benefits of lenacapavir?

Lenacapavir, produced by the American laboratory Gilead, constitutes a major innovation in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Unlike existing treatments requiring daily intake, this medication only requires two injections per year, which considerably simplifies prevention.

The first clinical trials show impressive effectiveness with 100% success in preventing infections. For John Nkengasong, global AIDS coordinator in the United States, “lenacapavir offers a potentially tremendous opportunity to transform the impact of HIV programs.”

Why will its astronomical price drop?

Initially offered at $40,000 per treatment, the cost remained inaccessible for low-income countries. But Gilead has granted voluntary royalty-free licenses to six generic manufacturers, allowing them to produce low-cost versions for use in 120 developing countries. For Peter Sands, Managing Director of the Global Fund, the aim is to “work with Gilead and voluntary licensed manufacturers to accelerate affordable and equitable access”.

The initiative also benefits from the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the WHO Children’s Investment Fund, although its implementation remains conditional on regulatory approvals and an official recommendation from the Organization world health. This deployment of lenacapavir represents a crucial hope for achieving the international goal of eliminating HIV by 2030.