Indian pharmaceutical companies must prioritize delivery of lenacapavir to combat HIV transmission worldwide, according to a health expert who spoke on Monday. Dr. Ishwar Gilada from the AIDS Society of India stated that the nation possesses unique capabilities to manufacture the twice-yearly injectable medication at appropriate quality levels and scale. Gilead Sciences markets the drug as Yeztugo at $28,218 annually per patient, but Dr Reddy's Laboratories and Hetero Labs plan to distribute generic alternatives for approximately $40 yearly starting in 2027.
The World Health Organization approved lenacapavir as a preventive treatment option that requires only two annual doses rather than daily pills. Gilada emphasized that generic production represents a breakthrough in public health accessibility when pharmaceutical innovation combines with affordable manufacturing approaches. The expert called on the National AIDS Control Organisation to deploy domestically produced versions within India before international distribution begins.
The World Health Organization approved lenacapavir as a preventive treatment option that requires only two annual doses rather than daily pills. Gilada emphasized that generic production represents a breakthrough in public health accessibility when pharmaceutical innovation combines with affordable manufacturing approaches. The expert called on the National AIDS Control Organisation to deploy domestically produced versions within India before international distribution begins.
