Nigeria to introduce new HIV prevention drug Lenacapavir
Temitope Ilori and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) have announced that Nigeria will soon receive Lenacapavir, a new HIV prevention drug. The drug has demonstrated 100% effectiveness in clinical trials and will be made available at an affordable price through licensing agreements. Regulatory approval has been secured, and preparations for its rollout are underway. The initiative is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen HIV prevention and move toward epidemic control.
Highlights
- NACA confirmed Nigeria will receive Lenacapavir, an injectable HIV prevention drug, following regulatory approval by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
- Lenacapavir is administered twice yearly and offers a more convenient alternative to daily oral drugs.
- The drug will be available in Nigeria and 119 other countries for $40 per person annually due to voluntary licensing with generic manufacturers.
- NACA completed readiness assessments in ten states, including Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, FCT, Gombe, Kano, Kwara, and Lagos.
- The commodities are expected in the country in March 2026, according to NACA.
