Gilead's Lenacapavir: A Potential Game-Changer in HIV Prevention

Around 1,000 doses of Gilead Sciences' HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir, were sent to Zambia and Eswatini under a U.S. initiative. However, South Africa, with the highest HIV burden, will not receive U.S.-funded doses due to its financial capacity. The plan aims to distribute lenacapavir at cost in high-burden countries.

The recent shipment of around 1,000 doses of Gilead Sciences' lenacapavir to Zambia and Eswatini marks the first delivery under a U.S. scheme aimed at curbing HIV in regions with high prevalence. Each country received approximately 500 doses, signifying a pivotal step in the U.S. plan to aid countries severely affected by HIV/AIDS.

Despite leading the global effort, the United States has decided not to provide U.S.-funded doses of lenacapavir to South Africa, which harbors the highest number of HIV-positive individuals globally. A senior U.S. State Department official, Jeremy Lewin, emphasized South Africa's own financial capability to manage its health challenges, while encouraging self-funding for its population.

In a broader initiative, U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has positioned lenacapavir as affordable by engaging with global entities like the Global Fund and PEPFAR. These moves aim to extend the drug's reach to 12 identified high-burden countries, although specific nations remain unnamed. The distribution strategy seeks to accelerate the end of HIV as a public health threat.

(With inputs from agencies.)