Gilead licenses HIV-prevention drug to generic drugmakers

WASHINGTON: US pharmaceutical giant Gilead said on Wednesday it had signed licensing deals with six generic drugmakers to produce and sell its HIV prevention medicine in lower-income countries.

The announcement comes shortly after Gilead faced pressure to open lenacapavir to a patent pool that would allow generics to be sold under license in those countries.

The antiretroviral drug has been hailed as a potential game-changer in the fight against HIV, with early trials finding the treatment 100 percent effective in preventing HIV infection.

With Wednesday´s announcement, generics companies will be able to make a lower-cost version of the HIV prevention regimen, subject to regulatory approvals, in 120 countries.

“Gilead teams have been working with urgency to bring on high-volume generic manufacturers now,” so they can start manufacturing the drug after receiving approvals, said Gilead CEO Daniel O´Day.

In July, researchers estimated that lenacapavir -- which costs patients more than $40,000 per person a year in several countries -- could be made for as little as $40. The drug only needs to be injected twice a year, making it much easier to administer than current regimens requiring daily pills.

International health agency Unitaid said on Wednesday that it welcomed Gilead´s announcement, adding that it was “prepared to invest immediately and collaborate to fast-track access to lenacapavir.” “This is a potentially game-changing medication that could dramatically turn the tide against HIV infections, and we must ensure, without delay, global access to lenacapavir for all those who need it,” said Unitaid executive director Philippe Duneton.