The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has expressed support for Gilead’s recent decision to expand the availability of lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV treatment, to 120 countries through voluntary licensing agreements with six generic manufacturers. However, AHF emphasizes that key countries affected by HIV, particularly in Latin America, must also gain access to this crucial treatment, regardless of their World Bank income classification.
Currently, the licensing agreement leaves out approximately 2 million individuals living with HIV in Latin America, specifically in countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Peru. AHF President Michael Weinstein criticized Gilead for prioritizing profit over patient needs, stating, “Gilead appears to view the Latin American market as an opportunity to profit from the suffering of sick individuals. While the introduction of generics for lenacapavir is a positive development, this potentially life-saving drug must be accessible and affordable for all nations in need.”
Weinstein further pointed out that while generic manufacturers in India, Pakistan, Egypt, and the U.S. have received licenses, South Africa’s robust pharmaceutical sector should have been included in the deal. This inclusion could help address the significant HIV burden in the country and support broader efforts across the continent at a reduced cost.
Concerns about pricing transparency remain, as Gilead and its licensees have not yet disclosed how lenacapavir will be priced in the participating countries. AHF advocates for lenacapavir to be accessible at a price that reflects the economic realities of these regions and aligns with global HIV/AIDS targets.
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation is a global non-profit organization dedicated to providing advanced medical care and advocacy to over 2 million individuals in 48 countries worldwide, including the U.S., Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific region, and Europe. AHF is the largest non-profit provider of HIV/AIDS medical care globally.
