In response to increased criticism of its pricing, Gilead Sciences has reached voluntary licensing deals with companies to make generic versions of its twice-yearly HIV medicine, lenacapavir, in 120 mostly low- and lower-middle-income countries.
The move comes after a pair of late-stage clinical trials found the injectable medicine was highly effective in preventing HIV, paving the way for the company to seek regulatory approval for pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP. The results generated considerable excitement since a daily pill is nearly 100% effective but compliance is spotty and there is a stigma attached to regularly taking a drug for HIV.
But its impact on addressing an epidemic that, as of 2022, still led to more than 1 million new infections each year is uncertain. And the reason is pricing. Lenacapavir is already approved for treating HIV, but has a hefty price tag of $42,250. So patient advocates have been urging the company to reach a licensing deal but also lower its price.
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