He promises long -lasting protection against HIV.
It is a historical advance in the prevention of HIV. The International Organization for the Purchasing of Medicines Unitaid announced on September 24 that the Lenacapavir (known in Europe under the name of Sunlenca®) will be accessible in 120 countries for only $ 40 dollars, by 2027. Until now, its very high price limits its access to a few rich countries, while this drug could protect millions of people exposed to the virus in the world. This molecule could become available at low prices and on a large scale, a decisive lever in the world fight against HIV, according to Unitaid.
Lenacapavir has been used in France since 2023, but only in treatment in patients in therapeutic failure, at an exorbitant price (more than 20,000 euros per year). If its price lowered, other patients could benefit from it and it could intervene in prevention like PREP (pre-exhibition prophylaxis). PREP is today to take a tablet (Truvada® or its generics) every day or “on demand” before and after intercourse. Its efficiency is very high, provided that it is rigorously respecting the socket scheme, which can be restrictive for certain people. Lenacapavir is in the form of a subcutaneous injection. After taking four tablets in two days, only one injection is enough every six months.
Thanks to its unprecedented action mechanism on the capside (shell) of the HIV virus and its long duration of efficiency, it could represent an alternative particularly suitable for those who have trouble following a daily prep. Lenacapavir is an antiretroviral which acts as a kind of molecular glue on the virus, blocking the stages of its cycle. It has no resistance to the start and has an effectiveness even on strains resisting other treatments.
The Gilead laboratory which Lenacapavir submitted a request to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to be authorized in PREP. In July 2025, the EMA issued a favorable opinion. The provision in France will depend on negotiations on the price, reimbursement and confirmation of its long -term tolerance.
