US brings Gilead's HIV prevention drug to poorer countries

The US State Department announced on Thursday that it would market the drug Lenacapavir, developed by US pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences, at cost price in countries with high HIV prevalence. The aim is to reach two million people within three years.

Gilead will make the long-acting HIV drug available at no profit through the Global Fund and the US program PEPFAR (President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), government and company representatives said at a press conference.

Back in July, Gilead had already signed a supply agreement with the Global Fund for low-income countries – despite the lack of PEPFAR funding.

Jeremy Lewin from the US State Department did not give any specific figures on US financial participation, but emphasized that Gilead was offering the drug “very generously.” The drug is particularly beneficial for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as it only needs to be injected twice a year.

Twelve countries are to receive the injections – exactly which ones has not yet been announced.

(reuters, est)