Developing countries to receive breakthrough HIV prevention drug at low cost

Philanthropic organizations on Wednesday announced two agreements with Indian pharmaceutical companies that will allow a breakthrough HIV prevention drug to become available in developing countries for $40 a year per patient.

The New York Times notes Unitaid, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, and Wits RHI reached an agreement with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories to distribute lenacapavir. The Gates Foundation and Hetero brokered a separate deal.

Unitaid, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, Wits RHI, and the Gates Foundation announced their respective agreements against the backdrop of the U.N. General Assembly.

Lenacapavir users inject the drug twice a year.

UNAIDS in a press release notes lenacapavir in the U.S. currently costs $28,000 a year per person.

“This is a watershed moment,”