New HIV prevention drug gets India nod: How it works
India is in the process of approving lenacapavir, a new HIV prevention drug you only need twice a year—no more daily pills.
It's almost 100% effective per dose and costs just $40 a year in low- and middle-income countries thanks to royalty-free licenses for Indian manufacturers.
Four Indian companies can make lenacapavir
Four major Indian companies—Dr Reddy's, Hetero, Emcure, and Mylan—can now make lenacapavir for export to 115 countries starting 2027, once they get final regulatory approval at home.
Even with strong trial results from places like Uganda and South Africa, local certification steps could slow things down.
Potential to change prevention game
With over 60,000 new HIV cases every year and most current prevention relying on condoms, experts say this long-acting shot could be a real breakthrough.
If rolled out widely, lenacapavir could help more people stick with prevention plans and finally move India beyond decades-old strategies.