Frontline AIDS urges Gilead to make new HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir, affordable for all

Gilead’s announcement to sign licensing agreements with six pharmaceutical manufacturers  will provide 120 high incidence, low-income countries with access to this long-acting treatment at more affordable prices.

This comes at a critical time, with 1.3 million new HIV infections every year – far higher than the 2025 target. While we appreciate this important step forward, it is crucial to recognise that the deal still falls short for many.

Several countries remain excluded from these new licensing agreements, including countries in Latin America, the Middle East, and North Africa, regions where new infections are rising. Many countries where our partners work also remain excluded.

In non-licensed countries, the cost of lenacapavir can exceed (US) $40,000 per patient, per year, putting it out of reach for many of the people we work with. This is especially true for marginalised communities, such as sex workers, trans people, and people who use drugs, who often depend on public health systems to access life-saving medication.

By maintaining control over pricing in these countries, Gilead continues to prioritise profits over people, further deepening the divide between those who can afford new treatments and those who cannot.

“Gilead must fulfil its commitment and outline how they will get lenacapavir to people most impacted by HIV, regardless of where they live,” said Leora Pillay, Lead HIV Prevention Advocacy, Frontline AIDS. “Every day of inaction costs lives and leaves millions without the protection they desperately need. If we are to end AIDS by 2030, ensuring universal, affordable access to this lifesaving drug must remain a top priority.”

Read more about the challenges and potential impact of lenacapavir in our blog– Lenacapavir: A potential game-changer in HIV prevention – what stands in the way?