Joint global press release
5 March 2026 — The Government of South Africa today announced that it is engaging with Gilead Sciences to pursue an agreement that would enable local production of lenacapavir, a revolutionary long-acting HIV prevention drug. As part of this effort, and in collaboration with Unitaid, USP and other partners, the government has published a call for expression of Interest that would assist in identifying South African pharmaceutical manufacturers capable of producing quality-assured lenacapavir.
In October 2024, Gilead granted six voluntary licenses to generic manufacturers across Egypt, India, and Pakistan, allowing them to produce and supply generic lenacapavir to 120 low- and middle-income countries, an important step toward expanding access.
A seventh license for a South Africa-based manufacturer would further diversify global supply and align production more closely with the region that carries the highest HIV burden. Producing lenacapavir closer to where it is most needed could accelerate the pathway from innovation to access and help ensure more predictable, sustainable supply. It would also strengthen the region’s ability to respond to its own health priorities, especially as countries move toward longer-term domestic financing.
Read the full press release here.
