Gilead to donate Truvada for PrEP to support US initiative to end HIV epidemic

US biotech major Gilead Sciences (Nasdaq: GILD) yesterday announced that it will donate Truvada (emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets), for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in support of national efforts to help prevent HIV and end the epidemic.

This medication donation is among the largest ever in the USA and is part of Gilead’s broader ongoing initiatives to help ensure that everyone who can benefit from PrEP is able to access it. Gilead will provide to CDC up to 2.4 million bottles of Truvada annually for uninsured Americans at risk for HIV. Truvada currently carries a list price of more than $20,000 per patient per year. The donation, which extends up to 2030, will transition to Descovy(emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide tablets), if it is approved for use as PrEP.

Commenting on the donation, Health and Human Services Secretary Azar said: “Securing this commitment is a major step in the Trump Administration’s efforts to use the prevention and treatment tools we have to end the HIV epidemic in America by 2030. Under President Trump’s leadership, HHS worked with Gilead to secure preventative medication for individuals who might otherwise not be able to access or afford this important treatment. The majority of Americans who are at risk and who could protect themselves with PrEP are still not receiving the medication. This agreement will help close that gap substantially and deliver on President Trump’s promise to end the HIV epidemic in America.”