The United States has announced a major investment in lenacapavir, a newly developed HIV prevention and treatment drug described by researchers as a "game changer." The initiative, coordinated through the State Department, PEPFAR, the Global Fund, and Gilead Sciences, aims to reach up to 2 million people by 2028, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Clinical studies have shown that twice-yearly injections of lenacapavir provide near-complete protection against HIV infection, including prevention of mother-to-child transmission.

Health experts say the new drug could significantly reduce global HIV infections, which remain at 1.3 million new cases annually. Lenacapavir has already been approved by the U.S. FDA, WHO, and the European Medicines Agency, and African nations are expected to follow soon. The rollout will prioritize countries with the highest HIV burdens, and initial distribution could begin later this year. While the estimated cost is about $100 per person per year, Gilead has licensed the medicine to six manufacturers to develop cheaper generics, though those may not be available until 2027.

The announcement has been welcomed by the medical community, especially after previous cuts in foreign aid programs had disrupted HIV prevention services. Experts highlight that this step signals the U.S. returning to a leadership role in global HIV response. By supporting prevention alongside treatment, officials believe the drug could help control the epidemic and reduce future health care costs, since lifelong treatment would be avoided for millions of people.

Dr. Linda-Gail Bekker of the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre emphasized the urgency, stating that protecting those at risk is essential to ending the epidemic. She and other researchers who conducted trials in South Africa confirmed that clinics are prepared to roll out the drug quickly once national approvals are secured. "This announcement brings hope," Bekker said. "It could change the future of the HIV epidemic."