New HIV Prevention Injection Approved, But Shs102m Annual Cost Sparks Global Outcry

A newly approved HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir, has sparked global debate over its pricing, despite being hailed as a groundbreaking step in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the injectable medication—administered once every six months—showed complete protection against HIV infection during trials, including in Uganda.

Lenacapavir offers a major advantage over current oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which must be taken daily, by significantly reducing the burden of adherence. However, media reports indicate the drug may cost as much as $28,218 (approximately Shs102 million) per person per year, making it inaccessible for many in low- and middle-income countries.

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has called on the manufacturer, Gilead Sciences, to lower the price and ensure equitable access. In a statement issued on June 18, UNAIDS cited research from The Lancet HIV showing that a generic version of lenacapavir could cost between $35 and $46 per person annually, and as little as $25 with large-scale demand in the first year.

“This is a breakthrough moment,” said Winnie Byanyima, UNAIDS Executive Director. “The approval of lenacapavir is a testament to years of public investment and scientific dedication. However, its benefits will remain out of reach unless it is priced fairly and made widely available.”

Ms. Byanyima emphasized that the drug could be produced for just $40 annually—potentially dropping to $25—raising serious concerns over Gilead’s current pricing model. “It is beyond comprehension how a price of over $28,000 can be justified. If this game-changing medicine remains unaffordable, it will change nothing,” she warned, urging the company to cut costs, scale up production, and ensure global accessibility.

The arrival of lenacapavir comes at a time when several attempts to develop a cure or vaccine for HIV have failed to yield viable results, intensifying global efforts to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

In Uganda, an estimated 1.5 million people are currently living with HIV. The Uganda AIDS Commission reports approximately 730 new infections occur each week, highlighting the urgent need for effective and accessible prevention tools like lenacapavir.