By Bunmi Yekini
Unitaid has announced a groundbreaking $22 million investment to accelerate the global introduction of lenacapavir, a cutting-edge long-acting HIV prevention option. Lenacapavir, administered via just two subcutaneous injections per year, offers a revolutionary approach to HIV prevention by combining unmatched efficacy with convenience.
“Unitaid’s $22 million investment reflects our commitment to transforming the promise of lenacapavir – an innovative product offering unparalleled efficacy and ease of use – into tangible impact,” said Dr. Philippe Duneton, Executive Director of Unitaid. “We’ve done it before with the HIV treatment dolutegravir, breaking barriers to make it affordable and accessible worldwide, and we are prepared to do it again with lenacapavir. There is simply no other choice – too many lives are at stake.”
The investment will spearhead initiatives in South Africa and Brazil, led by Wits RHI and Fiotec, to ensure lenacapavir becomes part of a comprehensive suite of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) options tailored for populations most at risk, such as adolescent girls and young women, men who have sex with men, and transgender and non-binary individuals.
Beyond these countries, Unitaid’s funding will drive readiness in other regions and complement large-scale programs by partners like the Global Fund and PEPFAR. Civil society organizations and affected communities will also play a pivotal role in generating awareness and advocating for the product’s rapid adoption.
Dr. Duneton emphasized the broader implications of this initiative: “This bold investment is part of a coordinated effort with countries, global partners, and communities to ensure lenacapavir reaches those who need it most. It is a critical step to finally end HIV as a public health threat.”
By fostering partnerships and accelerating access to low-cost, quality-assured versions of long-acting PrEP products, Unitaid is positioning lenacapavir as a game-changer in the fight against HIV.
“With lenacapavir, we have a transformative tool at our fingertips to help end the HIV and AIDS epidemic,” Unitaid noted in its statement. “This investment will help the world reach this goal – faster.”