Indian drugmakers Dr. Reddy’s and Hetero are stepping up to the plate, and the news is pretty remarkable. They’re gearing up to sell a new, highly effective HIV prevention drug, and the price tag is a real game-changer: just $40 a year. That’s an announcement that sparks a lot of thoughts, especially when we consider the often-skyrocketing costs of healthcare in various parts of the world.
The contrast with the US market is stark, to say the least. In America, the branded version of this drug, called Yeztugo, can set you back a staggering $28,000 annually. It’s hard to wrap your head around a situation where a drug that might cost pennies in India ends up costing hundreds of dollars in the US.… Continue reading
Generic versions of lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable HIV-prevention drug, will be available in 120 low- and middle-income countries for $40 annually beginning in 2027. Unitaid and the Gates Foundation have partnered with Indian pharmaceutical companies to produce these affordable generic versions, which have shown to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by over 99.9 percent. This initiative expands access to the drug, currently priced at $28,000 per year in the United States, marking a significant step in global HIV prevention efforts. This will help with the efforts to end the HIV epidemic.
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The FDA has approved lenacapavir, marketed as Yeztugo, a groundbreaking twice-yearly injection offering nearly complete protection against HIV. This capsid inhibitor, recognized as a major scientific breakthrough, has the potential to end the 44-year-long epidemic. To ensure global access, the manufacturer has entered royalty-free licensing agreements with generic drug producers and will supply the drug at no profit to countries in need, in partnership with the Global Fund. This preventative medication aims to transform HIV prevention by addressing adherence and stigma challenges associated with previous PrEP regimens.
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The U.S. has approved lenacapavir (Yeztugo), a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, marking a potential global breakthrough. Highly effective in clinical trials, reducing new infections nearly to zero in some groups, it offers a longer-lasting alternative to daily PrEP pills. However, access remains a concern due to U.S. healthcare funding cuts and global disparities, potentially limiting its impact despite Gilead’s efforts to provide low-cost versions in some countries. The high initial price also poses a challenge to widespread adoption.
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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.
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Millions of dollars’ worth of HIV prevention drugs and contraceptives, purchased by USAID but now stranded in distribution centers, face imminent destruction. This follows President Trump’s January decision to halt USAID funding, a move critics deem “inconceivable” and “nuts.” The supplies, including condoms, birth control, and HIV medication, were intended for 18 countries and their disposal would exacerbate the AIDS pandemic, potentially leading to millions more deaths and orphans. The State Department has dismissed the report as “fake news,” despite expert concerns and testimonials from those affected.
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Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s restructuring plan will eliminate the Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (OIDP), impacting approximately 60 employees, as part of a broader reduction of 20,000 HHS positions. This restructuring also includes the dissolution of the Office of Minority Health and merges several OASH offices into a new Administration for a Health America (AHA). OIDP oversaw crucial initiatives including childhood vaccination campaigns and the Ending the HIV Epidemic program, leaving their future uncertain. The rapid implementation timeline, targeting completion within 10 days, raises concerns about the transition’s effectiveness.
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I find it truly remarkable that a potential breakthrough in HIV prevention is within reach, with a vaccine that could cost as little as $40 a year per patient. The introduction of lenacapavir, an injection that can prevent infection and suppress HIV, is indeed a significant step forward in the fight against this global health crisis. The prospect of having an injection that only needs to be administered every six months and can provide such crucial protection is a game-changer. It is something that could potentially revolutionize the way we approach HIV prevention.
However, the reality of the situation quickly becomes grim when we realize that the actual cost of taking this vaccine in the USA is staggering.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker