Prime Highlight
- Dr Reddy’s Laboratories and Hetero Labs will launch low-cost generic versions of lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention drug, at about $40 per year starting in 2027.
- The move aims to make the drug accessible to millions in low- and middle-income countries, compared with the U.S. price of $28,000 per year for the branded version.
Key Facts
- Lenacapavir, sold as Yeztugo by Gilead Sciences, was nearly 100% effective in preventing HIV in clinical trials.
- Six companies, including Dr Reddy’s and Hetero, received royalty-free licenses from Gilead to sell the drug in 120 low- and lower-middle-income countries, pending regulatory approvals.
Background
Dr Reddy’s Laboratories and Hetero Labs announced on Wednesday that they will sell generic versions of lenacapavir, a highly effective HIV prevention drug, at about $40 per year starting in 2027. The drug, developed by Gilead Sciences and sold under the brand name Yeztugo, is administered as a twice-yearly injection and was nearly 100% effective at preventing HIV in clinical trials.
The low-cost generic versions aim to broaden access in low- and middle-income countries, compared with the U.S. price of about $28,000 per year for the branded version. Organizations such as Unitaid, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, and Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI) are supporting Dr Reddy’s, while the Gates Foundation is backing Hetero’s effort.
Professor Saiqa Mullick, director at Wits RHI, said generic production is key to ensuring the drug reaches millions and is not limited to a privileged few. The two manufacturers are part of six companies granted royalty-free licenses by Gilead to produce and sell the drug in 120 low- and lower-middle-income countries with the highest HIV burden, pending approvals.
Experts say the twice-yearly injection could help people facing stigma or challenges with daily pill adherence. Peter Sands, CEO of the Global Fund, said affordable generics will magnify the impact of this “game-changing innovation.”
Gilead is also providing discounted branded doses to 2 million people this year while generic production scales up. Analysts estimate long-term demand could reach 10 million or more, highlighting the importance of low-cost generics to fight the HIV epidemic.
