Gilead, ‘closely attuned to’ potential US policy shifts, stands by long-acting PrEP launch
Title
Gilead Confirms Commitment to Lenacapavir Long-Acting PrEP Launch Amid Policy Uncertainties
Keywords
- Gilead Sciences
- Lenacapavir
- Long-acting PrEP
- HIV prevention
- FDA review
- US health policy
- Twice-yearly injection
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis
- Clinical trials
- Drug launch
Key Facts
- Gilead Sciences is preparing to launch lenacapavir, its long-acting injectable HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), despite ongoing uncertainties around potential US policy changes2.
- Lenacapavir is a twice-yearly injectable HIV-1 capsid inhibitor, positioned as a significant innovation in HIV prevention, with the company anticipating substantial market growth and interest from PrEP-naïve populations12.
- The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted Gilead’s new drug application for lenacapavir for HIV prevention, granting it priority review status with a decision expected by June 19, 202512.
- Lenacapavir previously received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA, highlighting its potential to substantially improve clinical outcomes over existing therapies1.
- Gilead’s launch strategy includes a targeted plan for the first 30 and 90 days post-approval, with dedicated marketing, sales, and nurse education teams ready for deployment2.
- Clinical evidence supports lenacapavir's efficacy and potential to help address challenges with PrEP adherence and persistence, with Phase III trials for even longer-acting (once-yearly) formulations planned345.
- The company remains “closely attuned” to possible shifts in US health policy that may affect market access or pricing but maintains readiness to introduce lenacapavir as scheduled2.
- Interest in the long-acting option is high, with expectations that its launch will rapidly expand the current PrEP market2.
Sources:
1. https://www.gilead.com/news/news-details/2025/us-fda-accepts-gileads-new-drug-applications-for-twice-yearly-lenacapavir-for-hiv-prevention-under-priority-review
2. https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/gilead-not-sweating-looming-tariff-threats-counting-days-until-upcoming-long-acting-prep
3. https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/news/gilead-once-yearly-lenecapavir-hiv-prep/
4. https://www.biospace.com/drug-development/gilead-gsk-viiv-move-ahead-with-long-acting-hiv-options-following-early-stage-readouts
5. https://www.gilead.com/news/news-details/2025/first-clinical-data-for-gileads-investigational-once-yearly-lenacapavir-for-hiv-prevention-presented-at-croi-2025-and-published-in-the-lancet