Lenacapavir Injection represents a turning point in the global fight against HIV and AIDS. For more than 40 years, the world has battled this epidemic, and while medical advances have transformed HIV from a near-fatal disease into a manageable chronic condition, prevention remains a critical challenge. PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) has proven highly effective, yet access to prevention is still limited—especially for high-risk populations such as young people, working-age adults, transgender women, LGBTQ+ communities, and migrant workers. In 2024 alone, more than 1.3 million people worldwide were newly infected, highlighting the urgent need for more accessible solutions.
Now, a groundbreaking global agreement on Lenacapavir Injection—a long-acting HIV prevention drug that provides six months of protection with just two doses a year—has been hailed as a “historic revolution.” Once priced at over $28,000 per person annually, the cost has now been reduced to just $40 a year. This unprecedented shift opens the door for countries worldwide, including Thailand, to expand access to this life-changing HIV prevention option and move closer to ending AIDS as a public health threat.
What is Lenacapavir Injection?
Lenacapavir Injection is a new class of injectable antiretroviral drug developed by Gilead Sciences in the United States. The medication directly targets the capsid protein of the HIV virus, which protects the viral genetic material. By inhibiting this protein, the virus can no longer replicate or multiply effectively.
What makes Lenacapavir Injection different from daily oral PrEP is its convenience. With just two injections per year (every six months), it provides sufficient protection against HIV infection. This means users don’t have to take pills every day, worry about missing doses, or carry daily medication.
Impressive Research Results of Lenacapavir Injection
- A clinical trial conducted in 2024 found that Lenacapavir Injection achieved 100% prevention efficacy among participants.
- In July 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially recommended Lenacapavir Injection as a preventive measure against HIV.
- Scientists have also confirmed that Lenacapavir can be used both to prevent new infections and to treat people already living with HIV.
The Price of Lenacapavir Injection and a Historic Shift
In the United States, Lenacapavir Injection has been sold at a cost of $28,218 per person per year—almost 1 million Thai baht. At such a high price, broad access to this HIV prevention option has been nearly impossible.
However, a landmark agreement announced on September 24, 2025, through collaboration between:
- Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)
- Gates Foundation
- Wits RHI (South African research institute)
- Two Indian generic manufacturers, Dr. Reddy’s and Hetero Labs
has made it possible to reduce the price of Lenacapavir Injection to just $40 per year—a mere 0.1% of its original cost, equal to the annual cost of daily oral PrEP.
“This is a historic revolution that proves advanced innovation can be accessible from the very beginning at a fair price,” said Philippe Duneton, Executive Director of Unitaid.
A New Global Hope
This landmark agreement will cover nearly all low- and middle-income countries, with the affordable version of Lenacapavir Injection expected to be distributed by 2027.
According to BBC reports:
- Expanding access to Lenacapavir Injection to just 4% of at-risk populations could reduce new HIV infections by as much as 20%.
- Lenacapavir has the potential to transform HIV prevention strategies, particularly for adolescents, LGBTQ+ communities, people who use drugs, and sex workers.
- The Gates Foundation has highlighted that currently, only 18% of those who should be on PrEP are able to access it. Lenacapavir Injection could be the key to closing this gap.
Professor Saiqa Mullick from Wits RHI noted:
“For countries with limited access to HIV prevention, making Lenacapavir Injection a top priority at this affordable price is essential.”
She added that Lenacapavir has the potential to change lives, especially for those who cannot easily travel to clinics or health facilities, or who face social barriers such as stigma and shame tied to taking daily medication.
The Situation in Thailand and HIV Prevention
Thailand continues to face more than 8,000–13,000 new HIV cases each year, particularly among Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) and young people. Although daily oral PrEP is already included under the country’s universal healthcare scheme, there are still major obstacles, such as:
- Forgetting to take the pill or inconsistent use
- Embarrassment or fear of others noticing PrEP medication
- Social stigma and misconceptions surrounding HIV prevention
Because of these barriers, Lenacapavir Injection is seen as a revolutionary alternative—convenient, safe, and highly effective. If Thailand is able to procure and integrate it into the healthcare system, it could significantly reduce new HIV infections nationwide.
Challenges That Must Be Overcome
Even with the drastically reduced cost, several issues remain:
- Regulatory approval: The lower-cost version of Lenacapavir Injection is still pending approval from national drug authorities.
- Healthcare infrastructure: Clinics and medical staff must be prepared to deliver the injection every six months.
- Public communication: It is essential to clarify that Lenacapavir Injection is not a “license for risky behavior” but a complementary tool alongside condom use and regular HIV testing.
- Budget considerations: Although the price has fallen to $40 per year, supplying millions of doses annually will still require significant financial investment.
Related Article
- Lenacapavir PrEP Shot is Now FDA-Approved for HIV Prevention
- Is Injectable PrEP Available in Thailand? Find Out Here!
A Future Free from HIV Is Within Reach
Today, more than 40 million people worldwide are living with HIV. While progress in treatment and a reduction in AIDS-related deaths have been remarkable, the UNAIDS goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 remains a major challenge. Lenacapavir Injection is seen as a crucial missing piece of the puzzle—one that could bring this ambitious goal closer to reality. Its true impact will depend on ensuring that countries can gain equitable access and that no one is left behind because of financial or structural barriers.
Conclusion
The agreement to reduce the price of Lenacapavir Injection from $28,000 to just $40 per year marks a historic milestone—not only in science, but also in advancing equity, human rights, and health justice. For Thailand, the arrival of Lenacapavir Injection could revolutionize HIV prevention strategies and bring society closer to a future free from HIV. This is not merely “good news about a new drug,” but rather a new hope for people around the world.
Reference:
UNAIDS welcomes the announcement of new deals to make new HIV prevention medicines available and affordable for people in need
Landmark deal paves way for cheaper HIV protection jab
Highly effective drug lenacapavir to be offered at just $40 a year