Gilead's HIV Drug Lenacapavir Faces Pricing Challenges in Latin America
Gilead Sciences has developed a new HIV drug, lenacapavir, which is nearly 100% effective in preventing HIV infection with just two shots a year. Despite its potential to significantly reduce HIV transmission, the drug's high cost poses a barrier to access in Latin American countries where it was tested. While Gilead has agreed to license generic versions of the drug at a reduced price in 120 low- and middle-income countries, many Latin American nations, classified as upper-middle-income, do not qualify for these discounts. This has led to protests and criticism at the International AIDS Society Conference in Rio De Janeiro, where activists and officials from countries like Brazil have expressed frustration over stalled negotiations with Gilead. The company is accused of demanding prices significantly higher than those offered to other countries with similar economic statuses. 
