South Africa to Produce Generic Twice-Yearly HIV Drug

A South African laboratory is set to produce a generic version of lenacapavir, a new twice-yearly HIV treatment developed by the U.S. pharmaceutical company Gilead. This development is considered a major advancement in medical sovereignty for Africa, as stated by Unitaid's Executive Director, Philipp Duneton, during the Franco-African Economic Summit in Nairobi.

Lenacapavir requires administration only twice a year, contrasting sharply with daily tablet regimens, which can be stigmatizing, particularly for women. Studies indicate that lenacapavir can reduce the risk of HIV transmission by 99.9%.

An agreement between Gilead and the South African government will facilitate the production of this drug, with a preliminary agreement expected to be finalized once a South African laboratory is identified for manufacturing. A tender has already been launched, and discussions are ongoing, with hopes that the actual product will be available within two years, contingent on supply chain conditions.