NewsWPLG Local 10November 2, 2026Miami-Dade County
FDA approves generic lenacapavir HIV-prevention shot for low-income countries at $40 a year
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The U.S. FDA has approved a generic version of the twice-a-year HIV-prevention injection lenacapavir for distribution in 120 low- and middle-income countries at an expected cost of $40 annually per person. The article reports that the medication cannot be sold in the U.S. due to an existing patent held by Gilead Sciences for its brand-name version, Yeztugo, which lists at $28,218 a year.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10Why It Matters
The approval paves the way for expanding access to affordable HIV prevention drugs for millions of people worldwide while keeping the branded version restricted in the U.S. under patent law.
Key Facts
Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationU.S. Food and Drug Administration“U.S. regulatory agency that granted tentative approval for the generic drug.”PersonCarolyn Amole“Leads the HIV program for the Clinton Health Access Initiative.”OrganizationUnitaid“Global health agency that helped accelerate development of the medication.”PersonSaiqa Mullick“Director of implementation science with Wits RHI.”OrganizationDr. Reddy’s Laboratories“India-based manufacturer that developed the generic version.”OrganizationWorld Health Organization“Global public health organization tracking HIV and AIDS data.”PersonCarmen Pérez Casas“HIV lead for the grant-making organization Unitaid.”OrganizationWits RHI“African health research institute that partnered on the development.”PersonGerald Imray“Author based in Cape Town, South Africa.”OrganizationGilead Sciences“Holds the patent for the brand-name version of lenacapavir in the U.S.”OrganizationClinton Health Access Initiative“Involved in brokering agreements to make the drug available at an affordable pri”