The European Commission has given the green light for the marketing in the European Union of the new preventive treatment from the American laboratory Gilead against the AIDS virus (HIV), the company announced on August 26 in a press release. Yeytuo, the name given to this treatment in Europe called Yeztugo in the United States, requires only two annual injections while most of its competitors require taking a daily tablet. This simplified method of administration gives hope for better prevention among at-risk populations, particularly in developing countries.
The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP), attached to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), issued a favorable opinion in July for the marketing of Yeytuo. The EU and the European Economic Area record around 25,000 new positive cases of HIV each year.", recalled Professor Jean-Michel Molina, specialist in infectious diseases at the Parisian hospitals Lariboisière and Saint-Louis, quoted in the press release. This figure shows " clearly that current prevention methods do not work for all those who need them" he added, " especially for vulnerable populations"The United States approved the marketing of Yeztugo in June.
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A reduction in the risk of HIV transmission of more than 99.9%
Clinical trials conducted by Gilead have shown a reduction in the risk of HIV transmission of more than 99.9% in adults and adolescents. While they believe this new treatment could be a game-changer in the fight against HIV, many are concerned about its accessibility and price. In June, Gilead told AFP that Yeztugo would cost more than $28,000 per patient per year. Asked by AFP on Tuesday about the proposed pricing in Europe, the company did not immediately respond.
After months of appeals from experts and patient groups, Gilead reached an agreement in 2024 with manufacturers to produce and sell low-cost generic HIV drugs in more than 100 developing countries and to supply large quantities. The Global Fund, a public-private partnership, announced in July that it had signed a contract with Gilead to provide preventive treatment to low- and middle-income countries.
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