For decades, people at risk of hiv have faced the same daily dilemma: take a pill every single day, or risk exposure. That struggle may soon become history. india is moving toward approving lenacapavir, a revolutionary hiv prevention drug that only requires one injection every six months.
At an estimated ₹3,500 per year (~$40), lenacapavir isn’t just convenient — it’s life-changing, affordable, and accessible. With partnerships involving indian manufacturers like Dr. Reddy’s and Hetero, alongside global organizations like CHAI, Unitaid, and Wits RHI, india is poised to deliver a game-changing PrEP solution to millions, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
This is more than a drug. It’s a potential turning point in hiv prevention.
1. Twice-Yearly Injection — Not Daily Pills
No more forgetting pills, no more daily stigma. Lenacapavir’s semi-annual injection means one needle every six months can protect against HIV. Convenience has never been this life-saving.
2. Incredibly Affordable — Just ₹3,500 per Year
hiv prevention is now within reach for millions. Thanks to royalty-free licenses granted by Gilead, indian manufacturers can sell lenacapavir at a fraction of the original U.S. cost.
3. Approved in the U.S., Coming to India
Lenacapavir (Yeztugo) was approved in the U.S. in june 2025. india is following suit, ensuring that access is not just global but localized and affordable.
4. Royalty-Free Licenses for indian Manufacturers
Dr. Reddy’s, Hetero, and other indian companies can produce lenacapavir for 120 low- and middle-income countries. This is royalty-free innovation at its best — saving lives without draining pockets.
5. Global Partnerships to Scale Access
CHAI, Unitaid, and Wits RHI are collaborating to ensure lenacapavir reaches those who need it most. It’s a blueprint for how public-private partnerships can save millions of lives.
6. Ending Daily Pill Fatigue
Daily hiv pills have always been a challenge: adherence, side effects, stigma. Lenacapavir ends the daily struggle, making prevention simpler, discreet, and manageable.
7. A Massive Public health Opportunity
With hiv still a global challenge, lenacapavir represents prevention on a massive scale, particularly in countries where access to healthcare and adherence to daily medications are difficult.
Closing Punch
Lenacapavir isn’t just another drug. It’s a revolution in hiv prevention. Twice a year, one affordable injection, and potentially millions of lives saved.
For india and the world, the message is clear: prevention can now be easier, cheaper, and more effective than ever before.
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