MSF Seeks Access to Breakthrough HIV Drug, But Gilead Refuses
Pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences has come under mounting pressure after refusing to sell its breakthrough HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir, directly to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), despite repeated requests.
In an open letter, the group renewed its repeated requests to California-based Gilead to sell the drug, saying the company is blocking lenacapavir's rollout. MSF said it had sought to purchase a limited supply of the drug for its global programmes. However, Gilead declined, maintaining its position for several months.
Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) administered just twice a year. It has been described as a major advancement in HIV prevention, particularly for vulnerable populations in humanitarian settings where access to daily medication is limited. About 1.3 million people worldwide contract HIV every year.
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Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) administered just twice a year (file photo).
