MSF Calls for Wider Access to Lenacapavir, a Game-Changing HIV Prevention Tool

Strategic Insights -

MSF welcomes the release of new World Health Organization (WHO) HIV prevention guidelines recommending wider use of lenacapavir, an injectable version of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) that only needs to be administered two times per year. The organization is urging Gilead Sciences, the developer of lenacapavir, to make it more accessible to communities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Lenacapavir has been proven to be 100 percent effective in preventing HIV infection among cisgender women and girls, and reduced HIV risk by 96 percent in a gender-diverse group.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lenacapavir, a two-times-a-year injectable PrEP, has been proven to be 100 percent effective in preventing HIV infection among cisgender women and girls, and reduced HIV risk by 96 percent in a gender-diverse group.
  • The current patent licensing agreement signed by Gilead includes restrictive conditions that hinder access to generic lenacapavir in countries excluded from the license.
  • MSF supports the rollout of long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA) for PrEP in Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, and offers other forms of PrEP (oral and ring) and broader HIV prevention strategies in many regions.
  • The price of lenacapavir could be as low as $40 per year, comparable to current prices for oral PrEP, if generic versions are produced.
  • The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria has a stated aim of reaching 2 million people with lenacapavir, but this would represent only a fraction of the missed UNAIDS target of 21 million by 2025.
  • Funding gaps, the removal of restrictive licensing conditions, and facilitating generic competition must be addressed to ensure larger communities can be reached with lenacapavir.

Statistics:

  • Lenacapavir is 100 percent effective in preventing HIV infection among cisgender women and girls.
  • Lenacapavir reduced HIV risk by 96 percent in a gender-diverse group.
  • Oral PrEP requires frequent pill-taking, which can be difficult for people to adhere to, potentially leading to poor effectiveness.
  • The price of PrEP in the US is $28,218.
  • $40 per year is the estimated cost of generic lenacapavir.
  • The Global Fund aims to reach 2 million people with lenacapavir.
  • UNAIDS target is 21 million people with HIV prevention treatment by 2025.

Sources:

  • Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) Press Release
  • World Health Organization (WHO) HIV Prevention Guidelines
  • Gilead Sciences
  • Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria
  • UNAIDS