What HIV prevention drug is South Africa aiming to produce locally?

South Africa is aiming to produce Gilead Sciences' long-acting HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir, locally.

Who is supporting South Africa's effort to manufacture lenacapavir?

The South African government is working alongside international partners like Unitaid and the United States Pharmacopoeia.

Why is local production of lenacapavir important for South Africa and the region?

Local production aims to ensure the drug is made safely, effectively, and affordably, significantly increasing access in a region heavily impacted by the HIV pandemic and reducing reliance on externally produced medicines.

Home / Health / South Africa pushes for local HIV drug production

South Africa pushes for local HIV drug production

5 Mar

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Summary

South Africa aims to produce Gilead's lenacapavir locally.
Government seeks partners to ensure safe and affordable production.
Move aims to increase access to HIV prevention in the region.

South Africa pushes for local HIV drug production

South Africa is spearheading a drive to bring the production of Gilead Sciences' long-acting HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir, to the region. The government is working with international collaborators, including Unitaid and the United States Pharmacopoeia, to identify local pharmaceutical companies capable of producing the twice-yearly injection safely, effectively, and affordably.

This move comes as Gilead has already granted voluntary licenses to generic manufacturers in India, Egypt, and Pakistan for distribution to 120 low- and middle-income countries. A license for a South African company would mark the seventh such agreement, potentially enhancing access to a drug that experts believe could help end the HIV pandemic by reducing new infections.