A new study from the University of Liverpool suggests that lenacapavir, a drug with potential to 'end the HIV pandemic' and set for US regulatory approval on June 19, could be manufactured for as little as $25 per patient annually, including profit. This contrasts sharply with its estimated market price of $25,000-$39,000. Campaigners, including UNAids, are urging manufacturer Gilead to make the drug affordable and accessible globally, especially in low-income countries, warning that high prices would hinder efforts to control HIV. Gilead has agreements for generic production in 120 low-income countries but excludes others where a third of new cases occur.
‘HIV-ending’ drug could be made for just $25 per patient a year, say researchers
Aids and HIVGlobal developmentSocietyPharmaceuticals industryMedical research
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A new study from the University of Liverpool suggests that lenacapavir, a drug with potential to 'end the HIV pandemic' and set for US regulatory approval on June 19, could be manufactured for as little as $25 per patient annually, including profit. This contrasts sharply with its estimated market price of $25,000-$39,000. Campaigners, including UNAids, are urging manufacturer Gilead to make the drug affordable and accessible globally, especially in low-income countries, warning that high prices would hinder efforts to control HIV. Gilead has agreements for generic production in 120 low-income countries but excludes others where a third of new cases occur.
Trending- 1 Last year (2024): Dr. Andrew Hill calculated a generic price of $40 annually for lenacapavir.
- 2 2023: 1.3 million new HIV infections globally.
- 3 June 19 (upcoming): US regulatory approval for lenacapavir expected.
- 4 Later this year (2025): European regulatory approvals expected.
- Potential for lenacapavir to 'end the HIV pandemic' if affordable
- Risk of hindering global HIV control efforts if prices remain high
- Increased pressure on Gilead to lower prices and expand access
- Exclusion of some high-burden countries from Gilead's generic agreements
What: A study revealing that the HIV prevention drug lenacapavir, set for US regulatory approval, could be manufactured for significantly less ($25/year) than its estimated market price ($25,000-$39,000/year), leading to calls for affordability and global access from campaigners.
When: US regulatory approval expected June 19; European regulatory approvals expected later this year; Dr. Andrew Hill calculated generic price last year; 2023 saw 1.3m new HIV infections.
Where: United States, United Kingdom (University of Liverpool), Brazil, Argentina, Eastern Europe.
Why: To highlight the vast discrepancy between the potential manufacturing cost and the estimated market price of lenacapavir, and to pressure Gilead to make the drug affordable and widely accessible to combat the global HIV pandemic, especially in high-burden countries.
How: Researchers from the University of Liverpool conducted an analysis of manufacturing costs, factoring in profit margins and scaled production, to determine the potential generic price of lenacapavir. Campaigners are using this research to advocate for lower prices and broader access.