South Africa Moves to Produce Long-Acting HIV Drug Locally

Plan aims to boost regional access to the breakthrough prevention treatment lenacapavir. South Africa is advancing efforts to manufacture the breakthrough HIV prevention drug lenacapavir within the country, officials said, following criticism that local pharmaceutical firms were excluded from earlier licensing agreements. The government is working with international partners to identify a domestic manufacturer capable of producing the twice-yearly injection safely and affordably. If successful, the company could be recommended to Gilead Sciences for a voluntary production licence. Public health specialists say the drug could play a key role in reducing new HIV infections globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where the epidemic continues to have the greatest impact. Officials say strengthening local pharmaceutical production is also essential for improving health security and reducing dependence on foreign drug supplies. Source: Newstimehub HIVAIDS GlobalMedicine AfricaPharma HealthSecurity