ViiV Healthcare recently announced plans to increase access to its HIV prevention medication in low- and middle-income countries. This marks the second time in two years that the company has taken such steps. Despite these efforts, there has been criticism surrounding certain aspects of the initiative.
The company’s latest strategy involves tripling the annual supply of the drug, cabotegravir, which is a long-acting medication. The goal is to make over 2 million doses available in 2025 and 2026. ViiV, primarily owned by GSK with minority stakes held by Pfizer and Shionogi, stated that this increase in supply will significantly boost availability in these regions.
ViiV highlighted that the rollout of the drug, priced at approximately $30 per vial for not-for-profit purposes, is progressing rapidly in sub-Saharan Africa and other economically disadvantaged countries. To date, half of all regulatory approvals are in sub-Saharan Africa, and 79% are in lower and middle-income countries. By the end of the current year, ViiV aims to have distributed the medication to a total of 14 countries.
Despite these efforts, there has been criticism surrounding certain details of ViiV’s initiative. Critics have raised concerns about the accessibility of the medication, its distribution channels, and the overall impact on communities affected by HIV. Additionally, questions have been raised about the sustainability of ViiV’s pricing strategy in the long term.
ViiV Healthcare remains committed to expanding access to its HIV prevention drug and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in low- and middle-income countries. The company’s efforts to increase the supply of cabotegravir and make it more widely available are crucial steps in the fight against HIV/AIDS on a global scale. However, ongoing collaboration with stakeholders, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups will be essential to ensure that these initiatives are effective and sustainable in the long term.
