A New Dawn in HIV Prevention
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and Hetero Labs plan to roll out generic versions of the HIV prevention injection lenacapavir for about $40 per year, starting in 2027. This move could radically expand access in low- and middle-income countries.
From Breakthrough to Broad Access
Lenacapavir, developed by Gilead and marketed as Yeztugo, is a twice-yearly injection shown in trials to be nearly 100% effective in preventing HIV infection. Its branded version in the U.S. costs as much as $28,000 annually, making it unaffordable for many.
To address this, Gilead has granted royalty-free licenses to six manufacturers, including the Indian firms, to produce generics for 120 countries.
Key Details: What the Plan Involves
- The generic version will be available starting 2027.
- The target price $40 per year is comparable to the cost of daily oral PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis).
- This approach aims to reach populations who face challenges with daily pills stigma, logistics, or adherence difficulties.
- Support comes from global health bodies like Unitaid, the Gates Foundation, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative.
- Critics argue the license agreement excludes some upper-middle-income countries, limiting access for some regions.
Expert & Industry Insight
Professor Saiqa Mullick of Wits RHI says that affordable generics are “essential” to ensure lenacapavir isn’t restricted to a privileged few. Carmen Perez Casas from Unitaid noted that the negotiated price brings the drug to parity with oral PrEP, potentially making it the preferred option for many.
Why It Matters
This initiative could have profound effects:
- Greater equity: People in resource-limited settings gain access to an advanced prevention tool.
- Public health impact: Reducing HIV incidence more effectively helps control a major global epidemic.
- Shift in prevention strategy: Long-acting injections reduce the burden of daily medication, which many struggle with.
- Innovation meets access: This is a rare case where a high-tech intervention is paired with pricing policies focused on public good.
What’s Next
- Regulatory approvals will be key to begin generic distribution in 2027.
- Manufacturers need to scale production and maintain quality.
- Omitted countries may push for inclusion or alternative licensing arrangements.
- Monitoring uptake, adherence, and real-world impact will guide future strategies.
Conclusion
Dr. Reddy’s and Hetero’s plan to sell generic lenacapavir at $40 a year is a bold step toward closing the HIV prevention gap. By coupling scientific breakthrough with affordability, this could reshape how global health tackles the epidemic making life-saving prevention accessible for millions who need it most.
