Indian pharmaceutical firms Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and Hetero Labs have announced plans to manufacture and distribute generic versions of lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable drug proven nearly 100% effective in preventing HIV transmission. Their goal is to make the drug available in low- and middle-income countries at an annual price of about $40, starting in 2027. Reuters
Originally developed by U.S. company Gilead Sciences and marketed under the name Yeztugo, lenacapavir currently commands a much higher price in markets like the U.S. (around $28,000/year under its branded version). Reuters
To facilitate broader access, Gilead has granted royalty-free licenses to six manufacturers (including Dr. Reddy’s and Hetero) in a set of 120 priority countries heavily burdened by HIV. The licensing agreement excludes some upper-middle income countries such as those in Latin America, which has drawn some criticism. Reuters
Support for the initiative comes from global health players such as Unitaid, the Gates Foundation, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative. These organizations will assist with regulatory, distribution, and implementation frameworks to ensure the drug reaches patients who are otherwise unable to access daily oral PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) due to stigma, infrastructure or adherence challenges. Reuters
By offering a long-acting, low-cost HIV prevention option in resource-limited settings, stakeholders hope to significantly reduce new HIV infections globally, particularly in regions where access to daily preventive pills is constrained. Reuters
Sources
Reuters — Indian drugmakers Dr Reddy’s, Hetero to sell generic HIV prevention drug for $40 a year Reuters