HIV Drug’s $25 Production Cost vs. $25,000 Price Tag: Greed or Reality?
Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, is poised for US launch this week, with regulatory approval expected June 19th. While estimated to cost around $25,000 annually, independent analysis suggests a production cost as low as $25 per year, raising concerns about potential exorbitant pricing. UNAIDS urges Gilead to prioritize affordability, emphasizing the drug’s potential to end the HIV pandemic, while Gilead cites research and development costs and global pricing considerations. Gilead has agreements for low-cost lenacapavir in 120 low-income countries, but significant access gaps remain.
John Q. Hosedrinker