Abuja: Reactions have continued to trail the approval of Yeztugo, a twice-yearly injectable medication for HIV prevention, with experts warning that its high cost could shut out millions of vulnerable people worldwide.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the concerns were raised by experts in an interview, highlighting that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved long-acting injectable Lenacapavir for HIV prevention. This medication, administered once every six months, represents a significant advancement in expanding prevention options for people at risk of HIV infection across the globe.
In two major clinical trials concluded in 2024, Gilead's injection, marketed as Yeztugo, proved highly effective in virtually eliminating new HIV infections when taken twice a year. Its low-dose frequency makes it more convenient than existing prevention options, including daily oral PrEP pills like Truvada and Descovy, and GSK's Apretude, taken every other month.
According to Gilead CEO, Daniel O'Day, the new medication "really will bend the arc of the epidemic as we roll this out globally." However, the announcement of a U.S. list price of 28,218 dollars per person per year has drawn global criticism. Health leaders and HIV advocates warn that the pricing risks making the life-saving medication inaccessible to those most in need.
A research paper published in the Lancet HIV this week estimated that generic Lenacapavir could be produced for as little as 35 to 46 dollars per person per year, with potential to drop to 25 dollars with committed demand, making it comparable to existing oral PrEP. Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS and United Nations Under-Secretary-General, welcomed the FDA approval but demanded urgent action on pricing and access. She emphasized that Lenacapavir could be the tool needed to control new infections, but only if priced affordably and made available to everyone who could benefit.
Prof. Oyewale Tomori, a renowned virologist and former President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, commended the scientific milestone but pointed out the deeper problem of access disparities in Africa. He urged African countries to invest in local research, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical development to avoid being left behind during major health breakthroughs.
Mr. Jeremiah Johnson, Executive Director of PrEP4All, highlighted the urgent need to bridge the access gap, stating that "it's not enough to have the science, we need it in the hands of those who need it most."
NAN recalls that Gilead has pledged to provide copay savings to reduce out-of-pocket costs to zero for eligible insured patients and to offer free access to qualifying uninsured individuals in the U.S. The company also expects broad insurance coverage, similar to existing HIV prevention therapies. Lenacapavir is already approved for treating HIV under the brand name Sunlenca, which has a U.S. price list exceeding 42,200 dollars per year.
To support global access, Gilead has licensed six generic manufacturers to produce and sell low-cost versions of the injection in 120 low- and lower-middle-income countries. The company also pledged to supply doses for up to two million people at no profit before generic versions reach the market, reinforcing its commitment to equitable access.
Meanwhile, daily PrEP pills have been available for over a decade, but their effectiveness has been limited in many communities due to stigma, inconvenience, and adherence challenges. As Gilead prepares to roll out Yeztugo globally, public health advocates seek bold steps to ensure that the innovation becomes a symbol of inclusion and equity, not exclusion and disparity.