According to Hui Yang of the Global Fund, lenacapavir, a new long-acting preventive HIV drug, may be available in the world’s poorest countries by late 2025 or early 2026.
The timeline depends on regulatory approvals from authorities like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization, Yang said.
Lenacapavir is already approved as a treatment for multi-drug resistant HIV in the U.S., where it costs around $42,250 for the first year of therapy. Recent clinical trials have also demonstrated its effectiveness in preventing HIV infection, prompting Gilead Sciences to seek global approval for this new use.
Yang stressed the need for low and middle-income countries to have timely access to the drug, stating, "We don't want...low and low-middle income countries to wait, to be at the back of the line." This issue has long been a barrier in the fight against HIV.
To ensure affordable access, the Global Fund is collaborating with the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), along with funding from the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Together, they aim to provide lenacapavir to at least two million people in participating countries over three years.
In October, Gilead signed agreements with six generic drugmakers to produce lenacapavir more affordably for 120 low and middle-income countries. However, the deal faced criticism for excluding some regions, particularly in Latin America. Yang stated that while no agreements have been finalized with Gilead or the generic producers, they will work with all involved companies.
WHO aims to finalise a pandemic pact by May 2025, despite uncertainty under Trump’s leadership, as nations negotiate global collaboration amid ongoing health crises.
Malaria cases soared to 263 million in 2023, with deaths steady at 597,000, highlighting stalled progress, WHO reports.
The World Health Organization's Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has expressed confidence that a global pandemic agreement will be finalized by May 2025, despite concerns over US participation under President-elect Donald Trump.
A mystery disease is spreading in Congo’s remote Panzi health zone, mainly affecting malnourished children under five. With 406 cases and 31 deaths reported, WHO experts are investigating as limited resources and severe conditions hinder efforts.
World Health Organization has reported over 35,000 suspected cases of mpox across Africa in 2024, with nearly 1,000 deaths potentially linked to the disease
Senior U.S. diplomats met with Syria's new de facto ruler, Ahmed al-Sharaa, on Friday, discussing Syria's political transition. Following a "productive" meeting, the U.S. decided to remove a bounty on al-Sharaa's head.
A U.S. government shutdown could cost the travel industry $1 billion per week, disrupt holiday travel, and lead to longer airport wait times, warns the U.S. Travel Association.
Italian Deputy PM Salvini acquitted of 2019 migrant kidnapping charges, a win for his anti-immigration stance amid rising European far-right support.
A car drove into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing one and injuring several. The driver has been arrested, and investigations are ongoing.
With over 90 stations adorned with breathtaking works of art, Stockholm's subway is a must-see destination for art lovers and curious travelers. Spanning seven decades of creativity, the artwork in the metro system dates back to the 1950s and continues to inspire new generations of artists.
Negotiations at COP29 in Baku face a critical impasse as sharp divisions over climate finance and fossil fuel commitments threaten progress.
"Come up with the video in its full form," demands the COP29 CEO, Elnur Soltanov, in an exclusive interview with AnewZ. The chief executive has broken his silence on the claims he was using his position to organise potential fossil fuel deals.
Rwanda declares an end to the Marburg virus outbreak after 42 days with no new cases, reporting 66 cases, 15 deaths, and 51 recoveries, says Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana.
Britain has pledged a £50 million ($63 million) aid package to support vulnerable Syrians following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, addressing urgent humanitarian needs both within Syria and in neighboring countries.
WHO aims to finalise a pandemic pact by May 2025, despite uncertainty under Trump’s leadership, as nations negotiate global collaboration amid ongoing health crises.
Malaria cases soared to 263 million in 2023, with deaths steady at 597,000, highlighting stalled progress, WHO reports.
The World Health Organization's Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has expressed confidence that a global pandemic agreement will be finalized by May 2025, despite concerns over US participation under President-elect Donald Trump.
Senior U.S. diplomats met with Syria's new de facto ruler, Ahmed al-Sharaa, on Friday, discussing Syria's political transition. Following a "productive" meeting, the U.S. decided to remove a bounty on al-Sharaa's head.
A U.S. government shutdown could cost the travel industry $1 billion per week, disrupt holiday travel, and lead to longer airport wait times, warns the U.S. Travel Association.
Italian Deputy PM Salvini acquitted of 2019 migrant kidnapping charges, a win for his anti-immigration stance amid rising European far-right support.
A car drove into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing one and injuring several. The driver has been arrested, and investigations are ongoing.
With over 90 stations adorned with breathtaking works of art, Stockholm's subway is a must-see destination for art lovers and curious travelers. Spanning seven decades of creativity, the artwork in the metro system dates back to the 1950s and continues to inspire new generations of artists.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment