Lenacapavir, a new antiretroviral drug, has been hailed as a long-awaited breakthrough in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The medication is nearly 100% effective in preventing and treating HIV infections, but its high cost poses a significant challenge.
The twice-a-year injection can be a great relief for people who face stigmatization or have difficulty taking tablets every day. Women and young girls are particularly affected by the high incidence of HIV in some regions. Lenacapavir could also benefit individuals living with HIV who require ongoing treatment, but its approval as an antiviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (HIV-PrEP) has yet to be confirmed.
Lenacapavir works by disrupting the function of a vital protein in the virus, preventing it from replicating. However, serious side effects can occur, including changes in the immune system. A medical professional’s consultation is recommended before using the drug.
Gilead charges $40,000 per year for treatment, making it one of the most expensive HIV medications available. The company cites development costs as the reason for the high price. However, experts argue that even with a 30% profit margin, lenacapavir could be sold for as little as $40 per year.
Gilead is negotiating licenses with generic drug manufacturers to produce and sell lenacapavir in low-income countries. This move aims to increase access to the medication, but some countries may not be part of this licensing area despite being tested in those regions.
The global HIV risk remains high, with over 40 million people living with the virus worldwide. According to UNAIDS, reducing new infections is crucial to ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. Existing pre-exposure prophylactics have been shown to significantly reduce HIV rates, but access to these medications is often limited due to cost.
Lenacapavir’s approval and availability will depend on its affordability and accessibility. As experts emphasize, widespread use of lenacapavir requires it to be used at a lower cost to make it more affordable for those who need it most.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/hiv-prophylactic-lenacapavir-very-safe-and-very-expensive/a-70920492