Aspen Drops HIV Injection Plan

PretoriaAspen dropped plans to make generic lenacapavir, HIV’s best shield.

South Africa has the world’s largest HIV epidemic, and only 60,000 people use the injection.

Aspen blames the health department’s uncertain procurement, betting instead on an unproven $3 pill from Merck’s early license.

“We need greater certainty before we make these investments,” said Stavros Nicolaou, Aspen’s senior trade executive.

Two Phase 3 trials of alimatravir report in 2027, before its safety is proven.

Sources: Daily Maverick