US approves cheap generic of breakthrough HIV shot for poorer countries
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved a low-cost version of a twice-yearly HIV prevention shot, bringing the breakthrough drug closer to market in low-income countries.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given provisional approval for a generic version of a groundbreaking HIV prevention medicine, potentially expanding access to lower- and middle-income countries. The drug, created by Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, is expected to roll out next month as part of a collaborative initiative driven by several global health organizations.
The annual cost per patient will be $40, which is comparable to the cost of daily oral medication. The injectable drug, termed lenacapavir, is considered a game-changer in the fight against HIV due to its nearly complete protection against the virus with just one injection every six months. The brand-name counterpart, Yetzugo, is marketed by Gilead Sciences and received FDA approval in the previous year.
Written by urgent.news from STAT News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
