Gilead’s twice-yearly shot to prevent HIV succeeds in late-stage trial.

herrcaptain , 6 days ago

I was going to make a joke about this costing $6000/hit, then I read this:

Activists have urged Gilead to ensure that people in countries where low- and middle-incomes predominate can get access to lenacapavir. The company has long faced criticism over the price of its HIV medicines. Descovy usage carries a list price of $26,000 a year.

So based on their current HIV medicine, my joke answer was less than half of what it’ll likely actually cost (as you need two hits a year).

What a ridiculous world we live in.

555_1 , 6 days ago

Lenmeldy would like a word with you.

$4.25m for a one-time treatment.

But yes, $26k/y is outrageous.

Firebirdie713 , 6 days ago

While you are correct that it will likely be expensive, it is important to note that Descovy is an existing PreP pill that Gilead makes. So the cost of the new shot is yet to be determined, but the company has been criticized for the cost of their current PreP medication option.

It is also important to note that anyone with insurance in the United States will pay nothing, as the Affordable Care Act requires insurance to cover all PreP medications at no cost to patients. The pricing will only affect those who have no insurance at all, which makes this criticism all the more important to help this new medication reach those who would be the worst affected if they were to contract HIV.

driving_crooner , 6 days ago

Insurance clients is going to pay if too, is going to woke as an actual Insurance product, where every participant is going to chip in instead of just taking your money and make you pay the claim anyway.