18.06.2025 23:10
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) delivered a significant breakthrough in the fight against AIDS on Wednesday, granting approval to Yeztugo, a groundbreaking, twice-yearly injectable drug designed to prevent HIV infection. This marks a substantial advancement in HIV prevention strategies.
Following the FDA's approval, lenacapavir, the generic name for Yeztugo, will soon be available in the United States. However, the initial accessibility of the drug remains uncertain, pending further clarification on distribution plans. Gilead Sciences CEO, Daniel O’Day, expressed optimism in a statement, asserting that this injectable medication offers a tangible pathway towards eliminating the HIV epidemic, bringing the goal of ending HIV closer to reality.
Despite its substantial potential, Yeztugo carries a hefty annual list price of $28,218 before insurance coverage – a cost comparable to other established medications with similar functions, according to CNBC reports. While Gilead Sciences’ stock experienced a temporary surge following the announcement, it quickly reverted to its previous level, mirroring broader market fluctuations.
The FDA's approval rests on the robust results from two extensive clinical trials featuring Yeztugo. These trials demonstrated exceptional efficacy; one trial reported zero HIV infections among 2,134 participants, while the other registered only two infections amongst 2,179. This latest pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) offering joins Gilead Sciences' existing portfolio of HIV prevention medications, which includes the daily oral pills Truvada and Descovy.
Gilead Sciences has experienced considerable financial success recently, a factor contributing to its share price nearly doubling within the past year, trading around $63 per share a year ago. The company's robust performance stems largely from strong sales of its HIV drugs, surpassing Wall Street projections with a reported 6% year-over-year revenue increase in its most recent quarter. This success has been fuelled by strong earnings and sales, exceeding analyst expectations. Information sourced from internet resources.
