Africa Welcomes Reduced Cost for New HIV Prevention Drug

Over 100 low-income countries are expected to have access to a new HIV prevention drug within two years, potentially bringing the world closer to an end to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The drug, called Lenacapavir and administered by injection, is due to be rolled out as early as the end of this year, and was slashed to about $40 per person from $28,000.

The lower-cost version will be rolled out in 2027 across 120 low- and middle-income countries. The agreement was reached between the Clinton Health Access Initiative in partnership with the Gates Foundation and other groups, including the South African research institute, Wits RHI. Lenacapavir, taken as a twice-yearly injection, has shown strong trial results and received WHO backing, offering six months of HIV protection at a time.

Experts said it could transform prevention for vulnerable groups, especially where daily PrEP pills posed challenges. South Africa, with nearly eight million people living with HIV, was among the countries expected to benefit, with its health department welcoming efforts to make the drug affordable and widely available.