US Bolsters Global HIV Prevention with Major Lenacapavir Purchase
Washington D.C. – In a important step towards combating the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, the United States, through the State Department, announced a large-scale purchase of the preventative vaccine Lenacapavir for distribution in developing countries. The initiative, unveiled on September 5, 2025, aims to secure enough doses to protect up to two million people by 2028, addressing a critical need created by recent reductions in foreign aid.
The program will be implemented through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), working closely with affected countries to ensure effective distribution.Priority will be given to protecting pregnant and lactating women,a especially vulnerable population. A State Department official, Jeremy Lewin, emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, stating, “We hope, with the Global Fund, to help 2 million people access this medication over the next three years, and perhaps more.” The total financial investment by the US has not been disclosed.
This action follows Gilead Sciences’ commitment to provide Lenacapavir at cost for use in low- and middle-income countries.However,earlier cuts to US foreign aid had forced clinic closures and disrupted treatment and testing programs,creating a pressing need for renewed support. This purchase directly addresses that gap.Lenacapavir is considered a breakthrough in HIV prevention, offering a highly effective Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) option. administered as a semi-annual injection, it provides sustained protection, overcoming challenges associated with daily pill adherence. Clinical trials with high-risk populations have demonstrated remarkable effectiveness,virtually eliminating new infections. The drug is already approved for use in the US and Europe.The push for global access to Lenacapavir gained momentum earlier this year, with UNAIDS officials urging both the US administration and Gilead to take action. Gilead has also partnered with generic manufacturers to produce lower-cost versions for distribution in Africa,Southeast asia,and the Caribbean. The US purchase will serve as a vital bridge until these generic options become widely available.
The global HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to pose a major public health threat, with 1.3 million new infections and nearly 40 million people living with the virus worldwide. The US alone sees over 30,000 new infections annually. This investment represents one of the largest ever made in HIV prevention and a crucial step towards controlling the spread of the virus.
More information about the PEPFAR program can be found at www.pepfar.gov.This announcement was initially reported by the Associated Press.
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