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Gilead HIV Drug Gains Major Insurer Coverage
13 Jan
Summary
- Gilead's HIV prevention drug now has over 80% insurer coverage.
- The twice-yearly injection costs nearly $30,000 annually.
- The drug achieved nearly 100% effectiveness in preventing HIV.
Gilead Sciences announced a significant milestone for its new HIV prevention drug, Yeztugo, as CVS Health confirmed its inclusion on commercial insurance plans starting January 1, 2026. This development brings the drug's overall insurer coverage to more than 80%.
Previously, CVS had not included Yeztugo on its plans, citing clinical, financial, and regulatory factors. The drug, an injection administered twice yearly, carries a cost of nearly $30,000 per year. Despite this, it has shown remarkable effectiveness, achieving nearly 100% prevention rates in clinical trials.
Gilead's CEO also noted that the drug's active ingredient, lenacapavir, was delivered for the first time in a Sub-Saharan African country late last year, the same year it was introduced in the United States. This is particularly significant as two-thirds of all HIV cases are in Sub-Saharan Africa.
