A breakthrough HIV prevention injection, lenacapavir, could be mass-produced at a fraction of its current list price, according to recent findings. Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injection that offers nearly complete protection against HIV, is currently priced at over $28,000 per patient annually in the U.S. However, new research shows that a generic version of the drug could be produced for as little as $25 per patient per year if produced at a large scale.
The findings come from a study that analyzed the production costs of lenacapavir’s active ingredient. Researchers found that producing the medication for 5 million patients would reduce the cost to $25 per person annually. For smaller volumes, costs would be slightly higher—ranging from $35 to $46 per patient per year for 2 million users. This highlights the significant price reduction potential if production is scaled up.
Lenacapavir is a first-of-its-kind HIV drug that works by binding to the capsid proteins of the virus, preventing its replication. It is a long-acting pre-exposure prophylactic (PrEP) that could offer a more convenient alternative to daily oral medications. Approved by the FDA for HIV treatment in December 2022 and for prevention in June 2025, lenacapavir has been hailed as a potential game-changer in the fight against HIV.
However, the current cost remains a major barrier to widespread access. Despite the drug’s potential to prevent new infections and offer better management for those living with HIV, its high price keeps it out of reach for many people who could benefit from it. Researchers argue that making lenacapavir more affordable is key to ending the HIV epidemic. By increasing production and broadening access, millions more individuals could receive this life-saving treatment.
Efforts to reduce costs have already begun, with Gilead Sciences licensing the generic production of lenacapavir in countries like India, Pakistan, and Egypt. More funding and further licensing agreements could help lower the price even further, making the drug accessible to people in resource-limited settings.
With an estimated 1.3 million new HIV infections in 2023 and millions more expected due to funding cuts, the affordability of preventive medications like lenacapavir is crucial in combating the global HIV/AIDS epidemic.
