A Groundbreaking HIV Prevention Shot Faces Access Roadblocks in Eastern Europe & Central Asia
A new long-acting injectable could potentially revolutionize the fight against HIV, offering almost complete protection against the virus. However, concerns are mounting over unequal access to this potentially life-changing medication.
The drug, lenacapavir, delivered via twice-yearly injections, has demonstrated remarkable results. In clinical trials, 100% of young women in South Africa and Uganda were protected against HIV.
While the injectable are already approved for HIV treatment in the United States, a hefty price tag of US$42,250 per year underscores a major roadblock to wider accessibility. Gilead, the manufacturer, has announced an agreement allowing six manufacturers to produce generic versions in 120 low- and middle-income countries. However, this deal excludes many countries grappling with a significant rise in HIV infections.
Many critics argue this deal, while well-intentioned, leaves crucial high-income countries in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region out in the cold. These are countries where rising new infections are alarming experts. “These are the regions where HIV is growing the fastest,” Dr. Andrew Hill effectively sums up the problem. “Gilead’s restrictions could allow the HIV epidemic to spread. This may be the closest we’ve ever come to an HIV vaccine, but many people at risk worldwide will struggle to afford access.”
Eastern Europe and Central Asia has seen a 20% increase in new HIV infections since 2010, with over 140,000 new cases recorded in 2023 alone.
The disparities are extensive. While 2024 UNAIDS data shows
massive surges in infections, particularly within Eastern Europe and Central Asia, many countries don’t qualify for international funding, and debate rages on.
The pricing conundrum exemplifies a complex dilemma, forcing difficult decisions about affordability versus availability
Dr. Debra ten Brink concisely explains the complex financial landscape. “Domestic funding is limited, while many Eastern European and Central Asian countries, despite their growing need, are classified as high-income and thus restricted from accessing critical international funds.”
For countries not eligible for lenacapavir through Gilead’s program, alternatives are limited – full price points, inaccessible even for those in dire need, highlighting barriers to essential. Some may resort to compulsory licenses, which override intellectual property protections.
This leaves many vulnerable populations bearing the brunt.
The Eastern European and Central Asia region witnessed significant rises in HIV diagnoses among men who have sex with
“There wasn’t any Gilead points patrons:** The weekend plans of management team well, of course, we start somewhere with something,” noted Dr. Andriy Klepikov, who oversees unsung heroes. “We need this medication, particularly
The urgent call for action is clear: equitable access to life-saving solutions is paramount. Hills adds: “ Political will and full engagement in the response
Let’s hope proactive measures—and
with the urgency,
Professor Miłosz Parczewski, leading the way, echoing the call to expand prevention programs: “Transformative as a crucial step.
The clock is ticking.
O
What are the potential consequences of limited access to Lenacapavir in Eastern Europe and Central Asia?
## Revolution in HIV Prevention Faces Access Hurdles in Eastern Europe
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing a new long-acting injectable drug, lenacapavir, which shows incredible promise in preventing HIV transmission. While initial results are promising, concerns are mounting about unequal access to this groundbreaking treatment. Joining us to discuss this crucial issue is Dr. Alice Chen, a leading expert on global public health. Welcome, Dr. Chen.
**Dr. Chen:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Dr. Chen, can you tell us more about lenacapavir and why it’s considered such a game-changer in the fight against HIV?
**Dr. Chen:** Lenacapavir is a remarkable advance in HIV prevention. Clinical trials have shown it to be highly effective, with 100% protection against HIV observed in young women in South Africa and Uganda. It’s delivered through twice-yearly injections, making it much more convenient than daily pills. This has the potential to transform HIV prevention globally. [[1]]
**Host:** That sounds incredibly promising. But as you mentioned, there are concerns about access. Can you elaborate on the challenges?
**Dr. Chen:** The major hurdle is cost. In the United States, lenacapavir costs a staggering $42,250 per year. While Gilead, the manufacturer, has agreed to allow generic production in 120 low- to middle-income countries, this agreement leaves out several high-income nations, particularly in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
**Host:** And those regions are seeing a concerning rise in HIV infections.
**Dr. Chen:** Absolutely. Eastern Europe and Central Asia have witnessed a 20% increase in new HIV infections since 2010, with over 140,000 new cases in 2023 alone. This exclusion from the generic agreement could have devastating consequences for these areas, allowing the epidemic to spread further.[[[[[[[[
**Host:** What can be done to ensure equitable access to this critical medication?
**Dr. Chen:** We need to advocate for Gilead to expand its generic agreement to include all countries experiencing a rise in HIV infections, particularly in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. We also need increased international pressure and funding to support access to HIV prevention and treatment in these high-risk regions.
**Host:** Dr. Chen, thank you for shedding light on this critical issue.
**Dr. Chen:** Thank you for having me.
