Three South African pharmaceutical manufacturers have reached the shortlist to potentially produce Gilead Sciences’ HIV-prevention injection, lenacapavir. Deputy Health Minister Joe Phaala confirmed the development at the 26th International Aids Conference in Rio de Janeiro. The South African National Aids Council evaluated submissions received through a call for expressions of interest. It then selected three possible manufacturers. Phaala declined to…
Tag: Gilead Sciences
-
Ebola Treatment Trials Need Urgent $18m Funding
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has called for urgent international funding to support experimental Ebola treatment trials in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Africa CDC said at least $18 million was needed immediately. It warned that funding delays could weaken efforts to contain the outbreak and lead to preventable deaths. Researchers are preparing to launch clinical trials…
-
Lenacapavir Manufacturing In SA: Strengthening Production
A new wave of “America First” industrial policy is reshaping global supply chains. Medicines and vaccines are increasingly treated as strategic assets, not just commercial products. That shift matters for South Africa, which still relies heavily on imports for essential health technologies, making discussions around Lenacapavir Manufacturing in SA increasingly important. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed how quickly supply lines can…
-
HIV Prevention Shot Lenacapavir: Aspen Warns of Demand Risks
South Africa’s leading generic drug manufacturer, Aspen Pharmacare, has issued a stark warning regarding the local production of a breakthrough medical treatment. The company asserts that local firms require guaranteed demand to manufacture the HIV prevention shot lenacapavir sustainably. South Africa was notably absent from the initial round of voluntary licences. In 2024, the patent holder, Gilead Sciences, awarded licences…
-
Generic Lenacapavir Manufacturing: SA’s Bold 2027 Strategy
The South African government has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to secure the future of HIV prevention. By 2027, the state intends to facilitate generic Lenacapavir manufacturing within its borders. This move aims to address a critical supply deficit of the game-changing, twice-yearly injectable. Lenacapavir (LEN) is a potent pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) agent. It was registered in South Africa in October…
-
Lenacapavir in Short Supply Amid HIV Epidemic in Africa
International health activists and civil society organisations have launched a scathing critique of pharmaceutical giant Gilead Sciences and the US government. They say that Lenacapavir is in short supply and woefully inadequate to slow Africa’s epidemic. The backlash follows a joint announcement earlier this week by the US government and the Global Fund to Fight HIV/Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria regarding…
-
Gilead’s Lenacapavir to Reach High-Burden Nations ‘At Cost’
The US government and Gilead Sciences have announced a landmark plan to supply the long-acting HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir, at cost to high-burden countries. This initiative aims to protect 2 million people via PEPFAR and The Global Fund. In a major step forward for global public health, the United States State Department announced a groundbreaking plan on Thursday. The aim…
-
Twice-Yearly HIV Jab: Activists Call for Lower Prices
A groundbreaking, twice-yearly injection for HIV prevention is hailed as a potential ‘game-changer’. However, it is at the centre of a fierce debate regarding affordability. Health activists worldwide implore its manufacturer, Gilead Sciences, to prevent a “missed opportunity for achieving equity.” This twice-yearly HIV jab could revolutionise prevention efforts. But that will only occur if it becomes accessible to all.…