The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is partnering with Indian drug manufacturers to accelerate the rollout of a long-acting HIV prevention shot in low- and middle-income countries. This initiative aims to make the groundbreaking injectable drug, lenacapavir, more accessible at an affordable price of around $40 per year, starting in 2027.

Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injection, has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in reducing the risk of HIV transmission by over 99.9%. Marketed as Yeztugo by Gilead Sciences, it currently costs approximately $28,000 annually in the United States, making it inaccessible to many in resource-limited settings. To address this disparity, the Gates Foundation and Unitaid have entered into separate agreements with Indian pharmaceutical companies to produce cheaper, generic versions of the drug.

Hetero, an Indian generic drugmaker, will receive funding from the Gates Foundation to manufacture and sell the twice-a-year anti-HIV shot. Unitaid is partnering with Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHA), and Wits RHI to provide the drug at an annual cost of $40 per person across 120 nations, starting in 2027. The initial manufacturing will take place in India, with plans for regional production in the future. This cost is equivalent to the price of a daily HIV prevention pill.

This effort is seen as a game-changer in the fight against HIV. Trevor Mundel, head of global health at the Gates Foundation, emphasized that scientific advancements like lenacapavir can help end the HIV epidemic if they are made accessible to those who need them most. According to the Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism, making the 6-monthly anti-HIV jab available for the price of the daily HIV prevention pill could have significant budgetary implications and help to stop HIV in its tracks.

Since 2010, global efforts have led to a 40% reduction in new HIV infections. However, challenges remain in reaching vulnerable populations and ensuring equitable access to prevention and treatment. The Gates Foundation's long-standing commitment to combating HIV/AIDS in India includes previous investments in prevention programs, awareness campaigns, and initiatives targeting mobile populations.

In 2002, the foundation announced an initial $100 million commitment to support HIV/AIDS prevention in India, focusing on expanding access to interventions among mobile populations, combating societal stigma, and increasing awareness through communication and advocacy. This initiative complemented the Indian government's National AIDS Control Program.

The partnership with Indian drugmakers to accelerate the rollout of the $40 HIV shot represents a significant step towards achieving global HIV control and ending the epidemic. By making this highly effective prevention tool affordable and accessible, the initiative has the potential to save countless lives and bring the world closer to an HIV-free future.