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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedNovember 2, 2026Miami-Dade County

FDA approves generic HIV-prevention shot lenacapavir for 120 low- and middle-income countries at $40 a year

Photo: WPLG Local 10 – Main Feed

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted tentative approval to a generic version of the twice-a-year HIV-prevention shot lenacapavir, paving the way for distribution in 120 low- and middle-income countries at an expected cost of $40 a year. The announcement was made on Monday by the manufacturer and global health organizations that helped accelerate the medication's development. The generic version cannot be sold in the U.S. because the brand-name version remains protected by a patent.

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Why It Matters

Residents in 120 low- and middle-income countries gain access to a twice-a-year preventive HIV medication priced at $40 annually, compared to the $28,218 U.S. list price for the patented version.

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“approved the generic version of lenacapavir”PersonCarolyn Amole“leads the HIV program for the Clinton Health Access Initiative”OrganizationUnitaid“grant-making global health agency”PersonSaiqa Mullick“director of implementation science with Wits RHI”OrganizationDr. Reddy’s Laboratories“India-based manufacturer that developed the generic”OrganizationWorld Health Organization“provided global HIV statistics”PersonCarmen Pérez Casas“HIV lead for Unitaid”OrganizationWits RHI“health research institute in Africa”PersonGerald Imray“Associated Press writer”OrganizationGilead Sciences“manufacturer of the brand-name version Yeztugo”OrganizationClinton Health Access Initiative“global health organization helping accelerate drug development”OrganizationAP Fund for Journalism“provides financial support to AP health and science coverage”