Affordable HIV Prevention on the Horizon
A NEW study presented at IDWeek 2025 suggests that HIV preventive treatment with lenacapavir could be produced for as little as $25 per patient per year, representing a fraction of its current list price of over $28,000 in the United States. The findings point to a major opportunity to expand global access to HIV prevention and treatment.
Study Findings and Cost Analysis
Researchers from Howard University and Liverpool University analyzed ingredient and manufacturing costs for lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable that provides near-total protection against HIV infection. Their modeling showed that a generic version could be produced for $35–$46 per year if supplied to two million patients, and for just $25 per year if scaled to five million.
The analysis included the price of raw materials, formulation, labor, and packaging, as well as a 30% profit margin and a 27% tax rate. The findings demonstrate that equitable access could be achieved without compromising commercial viability.
The Role of Lenacapavir in HIV Prevention
Lenacapavir is a first-in-class capsid inhibitor that blocks viral replication and is the first long-acting injectable approved for both treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) of HIV. Its twice-yearly dosing offers a convenient alternative to daily oral regimens, improving adherence potential among at-risk populations.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved lenacapavir for HIV treatment in December 2022 and for prevention in June 2025. Researchers highlight that its cost remains the primary barrier to broad implementation—particularly amid declining international funding for HIV prevention programs.
Public Health Implications
Global health experts estimate that up to 55 million people could benefit from lenacapavir annually for either prevention or management of HIV infection. Affordable large-scale production could therefore play a pivotal role in curbing future transmission and advancing toward global HIV elimination goals.
Reference: Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). HIV Preventive Treatment Could Be Sold for One Thousandth of Current List Price. 19 October 2025. Available at: https://www.idsociety.org/news–publications-new/articles/2025/hiv-preventive-treatment-could-be-sold-for-one-thousandth-of-current-list-price. Last accessed: October 22 2025.
