The U.S. Government Announces Groundbreaking Partnership to Accelerate HIV Prevention with Innovative Lenacapavir Drug

September 4, 2025 — In a major health milestone, the Department of State, Gilead Sciences, and The Global Fund unveiled a new initiative aimed at drastically reducing HIV infections worldwide through the rapid deployment of a revolutionary medication, lenacapavir. During a special briefing led by Jeremy Lewin, the Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs, and Religious Freedom, officials highlighted how this partnership will harness American innovation, global collaboration, and strategic procurement to end the HIV epidemic.

Gilead Sciences CEO Daniel O’Day emphasized the significance of lenacapavir, describing it as one of the most important scientific advances of our time. Based on 17 years of dedicated research, the drug is the world’s first twice-yearly HIV prevention medication, approved by the FDA and the European Commission. In clinical trials, nearly 100% of users remained HIV-free, underscoring its potential to transform prevention efforts.

Supported by the Biden administration’s renewed focus on global health, the initiative orchestrates a collaboration between the U.S. government, Gilead, and the Global Fund to accelerate access and affordability. Jeremy Lewin explained that the U.S. will provide the medication at no profit, facilitating bulk purchasing and distribution in countries with the highest need. This approach aims to bring down costs, expand access, and bolster local healthcare systems by transitioning away from NGO-dominated supply chains.

The pledge involves an initial goal of supplying enough doses to protect two million individuals over three years, with the potential to expand as manufacturing scales up. Gilead has already begun licensing agreements with generic manufacturers to ensure future availability, targeting up to 120 low- and middle-income countries. The partnership highlights the administration’s strategic shift towards procuring commodities at scale and strengthening national health infrastructures.

The briefing revealed that the first doses will prioritize pregnant and breastfeeding women, aiming to eliminate mother-to-child HIV transmission—a key President Trump-era goal. While the focus remains on maternal health, officials clarified that countries could choose to extend access to other populations if desired, emphasizing a flexible, demand-driven approach.

Although specific pricing details remain confidential, Gilead’s commitment to provide lenacapavir without profit reflects a broader strategy to enhance affordability. The drug is already available in the U.S., with private insurers expected to cover most costs within the next year, ensuring domestic access.

Global Fund Executive Director Peter Sands praised the partnership’s potential to dramatically curb new infections—currently 1.3 million annually—and to reduce future treatment burdens. He underscored the importance of integrating this medical breakthrough into existing health systems to maximize impact.

The announcement signals a pivotal turning point in the fight against HIV/AIDS, demonstrating how innovation, strategic procurement, and international collaboration can accelerate toward an AIDS-free world. As the program unfolds, experts agree that targeted deployment, community engagement, and sustainable production will be critical in translating this scientific promise into global health progress.