Gilead Expands HIV Drug Access to Latin America via PAHO Agreement
Gilead Sciences has entered into an agreement with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to expand access to its twice-yearly HIV-prevention drug, lenacapavir, across Latin America and the Caribbean. The deal covers 14 countries outside of Gilead's existing voluntary licensing agreements, including Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Peru. While availability will depend on individual country approvals, this agreement aims to create a more coordinated procurement pathway for government-funded access. The move aligns with rising HIV incidence in the region—new infections increased by 13% between 2010 and 2024—and addresses gaps in PrEP utilization. Gilead expects lenacapavir to generate about $1 billion in sales this year, contributing to its broader strategy of expanding long-acting prevention options that differentiate from daily oral treatments. However, the agreement may limit high-margin revenue due to lower pricing and potential local production discussions with countries like Brazil. While Gilead's HIV business grew 12% YoY in Q2 2026, it faces execution risks before this deal translates into significant earnings.
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Topics: gilead sciences hiv prevention latam expansion lenacapavir pharma