N70,000 HIV prevention injection splits Nigerians

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A twice-yearly Human Immunodeficiency Virus prevention injection, hailed as the most promising tool against the virus in decades, has generated mixed reactions among Nigerians following reports that it may soon be available at about $40 (less than N70,000) per patient per year.

The drug, known as lenacapavir, is currently marketed in the United States as Yeztugo by Gilead Sciences at a prohibitive cost of over $28,000 annually, Sunday PUNCH gathered.

However, a new initiative involving Indian pharmaceutical giants Hetero Labs Ltd. and Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, alongside global partners such as the Gates Foundation, Unitaid, the Clinton Health Access Initiative and Wits RHI, aims to roll out affordable generic versions across resource-limited countries, including those in Africa.

This is expected to happen in the coming weeks, according to reports by Reuters and The Guardian UK.

Unlike daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (also called PrEP) pills, lenacapavir requires just two injections a year, each offering six months of protection.

Experts have described this durability as “transformational,” particularly for women who struggle with daily medication or face difficulties negotiating condom use.

Former United States President Bill Clinton said the breakthrough could “change lives,” highlighting the significance of protecting someone for half a year at the cost of existing PrEP pills.

Global health projections suggest that even a modest rollout in high-burden countries could cut new HIV infections by as much as 20 per cent.

Yet, amid the excitement, scepticism runs deep.

A man living in Port Harcourt, who wanted to be identified only as Tobe, said he was sceptical about the injection.