The U.S. Department of State has announced a landmark initiative under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to introduce Lenacapavir, a breakthrough HIV prevention drug developed by Gilead Sciences, to countries with the highest HIV burden.
This market-shaping partnership will drive global scale in production, reduce costs, and catalyze further investment in HIV prevention. Experts believe the move has the potential to save hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide.
A Game-Changer in HIV Prevention
Lenacapavir is a twice-yearly injectable drug that has shown remarkable results in clinical trials, with over 99% of participants remaining HIV negative. Its long-acting delivery method makes it easier for patients to adhere to treatment schedules, reducing the risk of HIV transmission and lowering treatment costs.
The drug is especially promising for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, as it provides safe protection against mother-to-child transmission of HIV during and after pregnancy.
U.S. Commitment to Global HIV Response
According to Jeremy Lewin, Senior Official for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs, and Religious Freedom, this U.S. investment is a cornerstone of America’s life-saving global health agenda.
“This commitment champions American innovation, advances the Administration’s goal of ending mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and will catalyze global investment in access to this groundbreaking medication,” he said.
The U.S. will partner with countries most affected by HIV/AIDS in the coming months to co-develop distribution strategies for lenacapavir, prioritizing prevention among vulnerable populations.
Gilead and Global Fund Drive Affordable Access
Gilead has pledged to provide lenacapavir at cost, without profit, to PEPFAR and the Global Fund.
“Lenacapavir is one of the most important scientific breakthroughs of our time,” said Daniel O’Day, Chairman and CEO of Gilead Sciences. “We are proud to support the U.S. government in accelerating access to this life-saving medicine where the need is greatest.”
The Global Fund is co-financing the initiative to expand access in additional countries. Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund, emphasized that innovations like lenacapavir must be deployed rapidly, affordably, and strategically to have maximum impact.
“By targeting where lenacapavir can have the greatest effect, and working with the U.S. and Gilead, we can reduce new infections and help countries progress toward self-reliance,” Sands said.
Toward Ending the HIV Epidemic
Public health leaders say lenacapavir represents a new frontier in HIV prevention, with its twice-yearly injection making treatment more accessible and convenient. With the combined support of PEPFAR, the Global Fund, and Gilead Sciences, the initiative marks a decisive step toward ending the HIV epidemic.
Source : Department of state
