Gilead Expands Global Access to HIV Drug Through New Generic Partnerships

SciFocus/Oct 25, 2024 -- Gilead Sciences has announced a strategic agreement to expand access to HIV prevention and treatment in 120 low- and lower-middle-income countries through royalty-free licensing with six generic drugmakers, including Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and Mylan. The move aims to provide affordable access to lenacapavir, a key treatment for drug-resistant HIV.

"This partnership with global manufacturers represents a milestone in expanding HIV prevention and treatment in resource-limited settings,” said Gilead spokesperson.

Key Highlights:

- Royalty-Free Licensing: Gilead will allow generic production of lenacapavir, targeting countries with high HIV rates.

- Participating Manufacturers: Partnerships include Dr. Reddy’s (India), Emcure (India), Ferozsons (Pakistan), Mylan (US), Eva Pharma (Egypt), and Hetero Labs (India).

- Initial Branded Supply: Gilead to distribute branded lenacapavir in 18 countries, such as Kenya, Ethiopia, and Botswana, until generic supply stabilizes.

- Affordable Pricing and Access: This initiative will address cost barriers for lenacapavir, priced at $42,250 per year in the U.S., and offer affordable alternatives in high-burden regions.

- Regulatory Goals: Gilead aims to seek global regulatory approval for lenacapavir as an HIV prevention drug by year’s end.

However, patient advocacy groups, including the People's Medicines Alliance, noted that several countries in Latin America were not included in the agreement. These groups argue for a broader approach, considering the global prevalence of HIV at nearly 39.9 million cases.

Gilead's licensing agreements mark an essential step toward reducing HIV's impact in resource-limited regions, helping countries facing the highest disease burden. The collaborative effort between Gilead and these manufacturers sets a precedent for equitable healthcare, although the scope of countries included remains a topic of advocacy and debate.

Website: https://www.gilead.com/

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