Controversy Surrounding The Global Popularization of Lenacapavir: Should Compulsory Licensing Be Explored? 2025-08-01
This article examines the global accessibility challenges of Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking HIV prevention drug that demonstrated extraordinary efficacy in clinical trials. It contrasts two perspectives: Gilead Sciences claims rapid progress in making the drug available through voluntary licensing agreements with six generic manufacturers for 120 countries, while critics led by Dr. Andrew Hill argue these agreements exclude crucial middle-income countries representing 23% of global HIV infections. The controversy centers on pricing and accessibility, with Hill calculating generic production could cost $40-95 annually per patient versus Gilead's $40,000 treatment price in high-income markets. Critics suggest compulsory licensing may be necessary if Gilead doesn't modify its approach, citing Colombia's 2024 precedent with dolutegravir. The article notes political shifts threaten HIV funding programs, potentially impacting global distribution efforts.
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