Twice-Yearly HIV prevention Injection to be Rolled Out at less than N70k Per Year

A twice-yearly HIV prevention inj+ction, described as the most promising tool against the virus in decades, is set to become widely available at a far cheaper price of about $40 (less than ₦70,000) per patient per year.

The drug, lenacapavir, currently marketed in the U.S. as Yeztugo by Gilead Sciences at over $28,000 annually, is now being targeted for mass rollout in resource-limited countries. Indian dr¥gmakers Hetero Labs Ltd. and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., in partnership with the Gates Foundation, Unitaid, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, and Wits RHI, are working to produce affordable generics.

Lenacapavir’s appeal lies in its durability: just one inj+ction provides six months of protection. Experts say this breakthrough could transform HIV prevention, especially for women who face challenges with daily PrEP pills or negotiating condom use. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton called it “truly transformational,” stressing the impact of protecting someone for half a year at the same cost as existing daily pills.

Although Gilead announced last year that generics could be supplied in 120 low-income countries, such agreements usually take years to translate into access. Advocates believe the new partnerships could cut down the wait significantly. According to the Gates Foundation, only 18% of people eligible for PrEP currently have access.

Gilead said it will file regulatory submissions for lenacapavir in 18 countries before year-end, with initial supplies expected to reach low and lower-middle-income nations within the same period. Health experts project that even a modest rollout could reduce new HIV infections by up to 20% in high-burden regions. Distribution of generics is expected through national HIV programs and platforms like the Global Fund, raising hopes that millions most at risk will finally benefit from this innovation.

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