Breakthrough HIV Drug Costs Could Be Drastically Reduced A groundbreaking HIV drug, regarded as the closest alternative to a vaccine, could potentially be produced at a cost 1,000 times less than its current price, according to recent research. Currently, the initial year's treatment costs a staggering $42,250 per patient, but a new analysis suggests this could be reduced to just $40. Developing an HIV vaccine has been a top priority in infectious disease research but remains elusive. Despite this, advancements in PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and HIV treatment have significantly progressed. Notably, it is now understood that HIV-positive individuals with an undetectable viral load, due to antiretroviral drugs, cannot transmit the infection. New HIV treatments aim to help more people achieve undetectable status. A significant recent development is the approval of lenacapavir, marketed as Sunlenca by Gilead Sciences, Inc. This injectable treatment, required only every six months, contrasts sharply with the daily regimen many HIV-positive individuals endure. Approved by the FDA for cases where other HIV drugs are ineffective or unsuitable, lenacapavir is also showing promise as an alternative to PrEP in ongoing trials. Dr. Andrew Hill from the University of Liverpool emphasized the potential of lenacapavir, suggesting it is the closest alternative to an HIV vaccine. A clinical trial including historically underrepresented groups, such as cisgender women and injectable drug users, is underway, and recent trials in Uganda and South Africa have shown 100% efficacy, according to Dr. Linda-Gail Bekker. Lenacapavir injections every six months outperformed other PrEP forms in young women, without the adherence challenges of daily pills. Dr. Bekker highlighted the benefits for young women facing stigma or violence related to pill intake, suggesting twice-yearly injections could be transformative. However, the high cost of lenacapavir remains a significant barrier. Researchers led by Dr. Hill argue that mass production could reduce the price to $40 per patient, assuming a 30% profit margin and 10 million annual users. They estimate up to 60 million people would need the drug to significantly impact HIV spread. Advocates are urging Gilead to permit generic licensing in low- and middle-income countries through the UN-backed Medicines Patent Pool. Gilead has indicated that the use of lenacapavir for HIV prevention is still under investigation but prioritized regulatory approval in countries with the highest disease burden. UNAIDS executive director Winnie Byanyima called on Gilead to address the inequality in drug pricing, highlighting lenacapavir's potential to transform access for vulnerable groups. The study's findings were presented at the 25th International Aids Conference.
