South Africa with World's Highest HIV Cases, Supports $40 per Year Lenacapavir HIV Prevention Drug.

(New York, NY) – September 24, 2025 – In a landmark move hailed as a potential turning point in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, a coalition of leading health organizations has announced an agreement to provide a revolutionary preventive drug for just $40 per patient per year in more than 120 low- and middle-income countries. The initiative, announced at the Clinton Global Initiative, aims to make the long-acting injectable lenacapavir accessible to millions by 2027.

This price point, roughly 0.1% of the current U.S. annual cost of $28,000, shatters a critical financial barrier that has often prevented cutting-edge medicine from reaching the world's most vulnerable populations.

The Breakthrough: What is Lenacapavir?

Lenacapavir is not just another HIV drug; it’s a significant scientific advancement. It works by interfering with the HIV virus's ability to replicate inside cells. What sets it apart is its dosing regimen: administered as an injection just twice a year.

This long-acting formula solves a major challenge associated with current daily oral PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) pills, which require consistent daily adherence that can be difficult for many individuals.

Clinical trials have been exceptionally promising. In June 2024, developer Gilead Sciences announced a 100% success rate in its trial for preventing HIV infection. This efficacy led to approvals from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission in 2025, and a strong recommendation from the World Health Organization (WHO) for its prevention use in July 2025.

The Agreement: A Collaborative Effort for Global Equity

The historic agreement is the result of a powerful partnership between Unitaid, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), along with South Africa's Wits RHI research institute.

Under the deal, Indian pharmaceutical giants Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and Hetero Drugs will produce generic versions of lenacapavir under a license from Gilead Sciences. This ensures a sustainable and affordable supply chain for the 120+ target countries, with a focus on high-burden regions like sub-Saharan Africa.

Professor Saiqa Mullick from Wits RHI emphasized the necessity of the deal, stating, “For many low- and middle-income countries, affordable access to HIV prevention is not a luxury, it is a necessity.” She added that lenacapavir has “the potential to transform prevention, especially for young people and underserved communities who struggle with frequent clinic visits.”

Why This Matters: The Potential for Massive Impact

The introduction of affordable, long-acting lenacapavir could dramatically alter the HIV prevention landscape.

1. Overcomes Adherence and Stigma: The twice-yearly injection eliminates the burden of a daily pill, which can be logistically challenging and carry social stigma. This is crucial for reaching key populations, including adolescent girls and young women, LGBTQ+ individuals, sex workers, and people who use drugs.
2. Bridges the Access Gap: Currently, only about 18% of people who could benefit from PrEP have access to it. Making a more effective and easier-to-use option available at scale is a game-changer.
3. Significant Reduction in New Infections: Studies suggest that increasing access to a tool like lenacapavir to just 4% of the population in high-prevalence areas could prevent up to 20% of new HIV infections.

The Road Ahead: From Promise to Reality

While the official rollout of the generic version is slated for 2027, pending regulatory approvals, the work begins now. As Professor Mullick noted, “The real work begins now, partnering with communities and governments to build demand, secure commitments, and prepare systems so countries are ready for rapid introduction and scale.”

READ: South African Women Lead Regional Action Plan Against Drug-Resistant Malaria

The announcement arrives at a critical time. Despite progress, 1.3 million people contracted HIV last year, and over 600,000 died from AIDS-related illnesses. South Africa, which has the highest number of HIV cases globally at nearly 8 million people, has already voiced its support for the initiative.

This agreement represents more than just a price cut; it is a bold step toward health equity and a testament to what global collaboration can achieve. By making a revolutionary prevention tool accessible to all, the world moves closer to the ultimate goal: ending the AIDS epidemic for good.