Gilead opens access to HIV prevention drug lenacapavir in poor countries

In a significant step toward combating HIV, the pharmaceutical company Gilead has announced that it will allow the sale of affordable, generic versions of its drug lenacapavir, known under the brand name Sunlenca, in 120 countries with high rates of HIV. This decision is crucial as it comes at a time when UNAIDS reported that AIDS-related deaths have reached their lowest point since 2004, indicating a potential turning point in the fight against the epidemic. The drug has shown to be 100 percent effective in preventing HIV infections among women in clinical studies, with similar effectiveness observed in men. This long-anticipated move by Gilead, particularly commendable during World AIDS Day recognition, addresses the urgent need for effective prevention methods among vulnerable populations in areas where HIV infections continue to rise, especially among gay men and transgender individuals. However, the deal excludes Latin America, where infection rates are increasing. Countries like Mexico, Brazil, Peru, and Argentina were omitted from access to these generics, sparking concerns from public health advocates about the inequities in HIV prevention efforts. UNAIDS' executive director, Winnie Byanyima, criticized this exclusion, describing it as unprincipled. She highlighted a case involving Luis Ruvalcaba, a participant in the study from Guadalajara, Mexico, who experienced stigma associated with requesting daily prevention pills from the government. The lack of access to lenacapavir in these regions, especially where HIV rates surge, raises alarms about missed opportunities to halt the spread of the virus. In response to these concerns, advocacy groups from several Latin American countries have called on Gilead to make generic Sunlenca available to address these disparities. While lenacapavir is now accessible in countries where the HIV burden is most severe, such as many in Africa, the oversight in Latin America is seen as a public health emergency. Experts warn that with over a million new infections occurring globally each year, reliance on established prevention methods like daily pills is insufficient. Furthermore, Viiv Healthcare, another drug manufacturer, has faced similar criticisms for excluding much of Latin America from its generics distribution for its bi-monthly HIV prevention shot, Apretude. Public health specialists emphasize that this issue must be addressed promptly to ensure vulnerable populations receive the critical care they need. Without adequate prevention options, the situation could worsen, hindering global efforts to control and eventually eliminate HIV.