Gilead Sciences announced on Wednesday that it will allow six generic pharmaceutical companies in Asia and North Africa to produce and sell lenacapavir, a groundbreaking HIV drug administered as a twice-yearly injection.
This initiative aims to provide access to the drug in 120 countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, which has the highest rates of HIV. The licensing agreement will not incur any fees for the generic drugmakers, potentially leading to significantly lower prices. Gilead has been criticized for excluding most middle- and high-income countries, such as Brazil and Mexico, which collectively account for a substantial portion of new HIV infections. While the company charges around $42,250 per year for lenacapavir in the United States, the generics could be produced for as little as $40 annually.
The exclusion of middle-income countries from this licensing deal raises concerns about growing disparities in healthcare access. Experts argue that marginalized populations, including migrants and sex workers, are most at risk and need swift access to effective treatment.
Melissa Barber, a Yale researcher, pointed out that the deal overlooks countries where the HIV epidemic is particularly severe, limiting access to those who are already disconnected from healthcare systems.
The terms of the agreement include restrictions that prevent generics from being exported to countries outside the designated list, leaving nations like Brazil without affordable options.
Despite these challenges, Gilead claims it is exploring innovative strategies, including tiered pricing, to improve access in Latin America while remaining committed to making lenacapavir available through its own supply chains until generics are operational.
Peoplesmind
