A major breakthrough in the global fight against HIV and AIDS is on the horizon as Lenacapavir, a revolutionary HIV prevention drug, is set to be made available at a drastically reduced cost in more than 100 low- and middle-income countries within the next two years. The injectable treatment, already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Commission, is being hailed as a game-changer that could help millions of people access life-saving prevention while bringing the world closer to ending the HIV epidemic.
Currently priced at an astronomical $28,000 per person annually, Lenacapavir has been financially out of reach for communities most affected by HIV, particularly in Africa, where infection rates remain high. However, under a new agreement announced by the Clinton Health Access Initiative in partnership with the Gates Foundation, South Africa’s Wits RHI, and other partners, the price of the drug will be slashed to just $40 per year — a mere fraction of the original cost. The rollout of the affordable version is expected to begin in 2027 across 120 low- and middle-income countries, including South Africa, which has the world’s highest number of people living with HIV.
Lenacapavir is administered by injection only twice a year, offering six months of continuous protection against HIV infection. This long-acting method is particularly important because it eliminates the need for daily pills like PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), which, though effective, can be difficult for patients to adhere to consistently due to stigma, accessibility issues, or the burden of daily intake. According to the Gates Foundation, only about 18% of those who could benefit from PrEP currently have access, underscoring the urgent need for alternative methods like Lenacapavir.
Clinical trials have demonstrated remarkable results, with one trial by U.S. pharmaceutical company Gilead showing a 100% success rate in preventing HIV infection. In July, the World Health Organization formally recommended Lenacapavir for HIV prevention, further strengthening global confidence in the drug’s potential. Beyond prevention, scientists also note that the injectable can play a role in treatment, as it works by preventing the virus from replicating inside cells, making it versatile for both prevention and management of HIV.
Professor Saiqa Mullick of Wits RHI, one of the institutions involved in the rollout, stressed that affordable access is critical for vulnerable communities. She emphasized that the drug has the potential to transform HIV prevention, especially for young people, women, and underserved populations who often face challenges with frequent clinic visits. She added that real success will depend on building demand, ensuring government commitments, and preparing health systems for rapid introduction and scale-up.
Health experts say that if just 4% of the population in high-risk areas can access Lenacapavir, it could reduce new HIV infections by as much as 20%. This is a significant step toward controlling a disease that, despite global progress, still affects more than 40 million people worldwide. According to UNAIDS, 1.3 million people contracted HIV in the past year alone, and over 600,000 lives were lost to AIDS-related illnesses, showing that the epidemic remains far from over.
The announcement comes at a crucial time for global health, following recent funding challenges, including cuts to U.S. foreign aid programs under the Trump administration. Nevertheless, the introduction of a low-cost, long-acting HIV prevention drug represents renewed hope in the decades-long battle against HIV and AIDS.
For countries like South Africa, which has nearly eight million people living with HIV, the reduced-cost Lenacapavir is expected to make a major impact. The South African Department of Health welcomed the development, stating its full support for efforts to make life-saving treatment affordable and accessible to all nations in need.
With affordability, accessibility, and proven effectiveness on its side, Lenacapavir is poised to revolutionize HIV prevention strategies worldwide. If successfully rolled out and widely adopted, the drug could not only save millions of lives but also mark a turning point in humanity’s effort to finally bring an end to the HIV and AIDS epidemic.
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