#Aids2026: Daily pill. Monthly pill. Six-monthly jab. Why choice matters
A new once-a-month HIV prevention pill is moving into the final stage of testing. But early South African uptake data of the six-monthly anti-HIV jab suggest the biggest breakthrough may not be a new medicine — it may be giving people more ways to protect themselves. The post #Aids2026: Daily pill. Monthly pill. Six-monthly jab. Why choice matters appeared first on Bhekisisa .
Merck has granted generic manufacturers licences to produce a new HIV prevention pill, alimatravir, known as MK-8527, before final trials are completed. This move could expedite the availability of the monthly pill in South Africa and across Africa. In South Africa's recent Wits study, about half of participants chose the six-monthly HIV prevention jab for the first time, highlighting the need for multiple HIV prevention options.
Despite licensing agreements, some countries testing the monthly pill may still face barriers to affordable generic versions. Aspen Pharmacare, South Africa's largest drug maker, received a licence to produce alimatravir, with other licences going to manufacturers in Uganda, Kenya, and India. This could lower South Africa's new HIV infections of around 140,000 yearly.
If alimatravir proves effective in upcoming phase 3 studies, it could be imported and produced in South Africa, making it available to 129 low- and middle-income countries. Generic alimatravir could cost as little as $4.50 per person per year, compared to $19 per person per year for generic lenacapavir, the six-monthly injection.
South Africa began rolling out lenacapavir in June, but achieving tens of millions of doses for widespread use remains a challenge.
Written by urgent.news from Bhekisisa's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
