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5h ago

WHO Endorses Twice-Yearly Lenacapavir Injections for HIV Prevention

With global HIV funding dwindling, a Gilead-Global Fund agreement secures two million no-profit lenacapavir doses for low- and middle-income countries.

A pharmacist holds a vial of lenacapavir, at the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation's Masiphumelele Research Site, in Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, July 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht)
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Overview

  • The WHO issued a strong recommendation in Kigali to offer biannual lenacapavir injections as an additional PrEP choice alongside simplified rapid HIV testing.
  • Phase 3 and country trials demonstrated 96–100% prevention of HIV infections with twice-yearly lenacapavir, including a Ugandan study showing full protection.
  • On July 9, Gilead agreed to supply lenacapavir at no profit through the Global Fund, enough for up to two million people before generic versions arrive.
  • Gilead licensed production to six generic manufacturers to lower costs and accelerate early access in resource-limited settings.
  • Countries face financing hurdles after major PEPFAR and USAID cuts and must contend with a U.S. list price of $28,218 per year to scale up lenacapavir.