HIV Breakthrough Drug Licensing Deal Marks Significant But Flawed Step for Access

October 2, 2024

HIV Breakthrough Drug Licensing Deal Marks Significant But Flawed Step for Access

Global Organizing Continues to Produce Better Access for Critical Medications

Today, Gilead Sciences announceda licensing deal authorizing six generics manufacturers to sell the breakthrough HIV treatment lenacapavir in 120 primarily lower-income countries.

Public Citizen, along with many health groups and agencies including UNAIDS, have called on Gilead sciences to license lenacapavir, preferably through the Medicines Patent Pool, to support global access.

Peter Maybarduk, director of Public Citizen's Access to Medicines program, issued the following statement:

"People living with HIV and allies worldwide have raised their voices and called on drugmaker Gilead to make HIV medication lenacapavir available for global, timely, and affordable supply by licensing developing country manufacturers.

"Gilead heard that call in part. The license will help ensure access to needed treatment for many people and countries. But it leaves out others, including most of South America, where communities continue to fight against major obstacles for access. Gilead will continue to control who sells lenacapavir and where, through restrictive licensing terms, thereby limiting the availability of affordable lenacapavir even where Gilead claims no patents.

"Gilead is licensing relatively early to multiple manufacturers, and plans to offer lower prices until those manufacturers begin production. It is also positive that Gilead published its template licensing agreement, so that it can be more broadly understood.

"But it is unfortunate and unclear why Gilead did not license through an expert independent licensing body such as the Medicines Patent Pool, which would have helped Gilead reach as many people as possible through equitable access terms, and brought added credibility.

"Global licensing for generic manufacture continues to be the most effective way to promote affordable access. Lenacapavir is poised to make a meaningful difference in the global fight against HIV, if the product is made timely, available and affordable everywhere. Much work remains to be done, including overcoming Gilead's control outside the license territory.

"It is a testament to the power of organizing and the commitment of many allies that the global community of people living with HIV continues to shape access to the medicines people need."

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