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A new HIV vaccine will be available at low cost in 120 countries starting in 2027.

2025-09-26 16:54:00, Shëndeti CNA

A new HIV vaccine will be available at low cost in 120 countries starting in

A preventive HIV vaccine that is given just twice a year will be available at a low price of $40 (around 34 euros) in 120 low-income countries, starting in 2027.

This new drug, called "lenacapavir", has been hailed as a major medical breakthrough that could change the course of the global HIV epidemic, which affects more than 40 million people worldwide.

What is "lenacapavir" and how does it work?

Lenacapavir is a preventive form of protection against HIV, known as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). It works by preventing the virus from multiplying and spreading in the body, significantly reducing the risk of infection – in both adults and adolescents.

A new HIV vaccine will be available at low cost in 120 countries starting in

Unlike existing medications that are taken orally every day, lenacapavir is injected only once every six months, which makes it easier and more sustainable to use for many people.

A big step towards health equality

The drug currently costs more than $28,000 per person per year in rich countries.

But thanks to a global agreement backed by organizations like Unitaid, CHAI and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, a generic version of lenacapavir will be available for just $40 per year in low-income countries.

Initially, the cost will be slightly higher due to the initial dose of pills that must be taken to provide immediate protection. These pills cost $16.80 in total and are taken only on the first and second days of treatment.

International support and plans for the future

This development comes at a time when international funding for public health is declining, and programs like PEPFAR (the U.S. Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) face uncertainty.

However, organizations such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria are expected to cover the initial costs in many developing countries.

A new HIV vaccine will be available at low cost in 120 countries starting in

The demand for this vaccine is particularly high in regions of sub-Saharan Africa, where the rate of HIV infections remains high.

Education, awareness and community involvement

To succeed, lenacapavir needs more than just supply. Partner organizations emphasize the importance of informing communities, training health professionals, and updating medical guidelines so that people have access to and trust in the new treatment.

A new HIV vaccine will be available at low cost in 120 countries starting in

There are also efforts to expand access to some middle-income countries, such as Brazil, which are currently not included in the agreement, even though they have a large number of new HIV cases./ Adapted from CNA.