A UNAIDS representative in Pakistan said the agency is facilitating discussions with domestic drug makers and key stakeholders to map out pathways for future local production and broader access. Expanding access to newer HIV prevention tools, they noted, could strengthen the country’s response as HIV infections continue to rise among key populations.
Lenacapavir is a long-acting antiretroviral medication used for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a preventive treatment for people who are HIV-negative but at higher risk of infection. Unlike traditional daily PrEP tablets, lenacapavir is administered every six months, offering a solution to one of the major challenges in HIV prevention: adherence to daily medication.
The medicine has drawn international attention. On March 5, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), described lenacapavir as a major advancement in HIV prevention. “It is not a vaccine,” he clarified, “but the closest alternative to date,” citing trial results showing high effectiveness when administered on the six-month schedule.
In Pakistan, industry sources indicate that several local manufacturers are considering developing generic versions of lenacapavir. However, progress is contingent on clear regulatory and licensing frameworks. The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) confirmed that the medicine is not yet in the national approval pipeline, noting that any future application would be rigorously assessed for safety, quality, and efficacy under standard procedures.
Experts highlight that long-acting prevention tools like lenacapavir could significantly enhance HIV programmes, particularly for individuals who struggle with daily medication adherence. Yet specialists caution that injections alone are not a complete solution in Pakistan, where a notable share of HIV transmission has been linked to unsafe medical practices, including reused syringes, unscreened blood transfusions, and unsafe intravenous treatments—factors behind several recent outbreaks, including infections among children.
Globally, WHO data shows that AIDS-related deaths have fallen sharply over the past two decades due to effective antiretroviral treatment, and long-acting medicines are increasingly used for prevention among high-risk groups. WHO granted lenacapavir prequalification status last year, a move aimed at facilitating procurement for low- and middle-income countries.
Public health specialists say that if Pakistan can expand access through local production, licensing, or international procurement, long-acting HIV prevention tools like lenacapavir could play a critical role in reducing new infections both regionally and globally.