Fact Check: "Gilead's lenacapavir costs $28,218 a year before insurance."
What We Know
Lenacapavir, a new injectable medication developed by Gilead Sciences for the prevention of HIV, has been approved by the FDA. It is marketed under the name Yeztugo and is intended for use as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The list price for lenacapavir is set at $28,218 per year before insurance coverage, as confirmed by multiple sources including a report from The New York Times and AP News. This pricing structure places lenacapavir in a similar range to other PrEP options, although it is notably higher than some generic alternatives that can be as low as $1 per dose (The New York Times).
Analysis
The claim regarding the cost of lenacapavir is substantiated by credible sources. Both The New York Times and AP News explicitly state that Gilead has announced the annual list price to be $28,218. Additionally, CNBC corroborates this pricing, further affirming that this figure is the official list price before any insurance discounts or patient assistance programs are applied.
The reliability of these sources is high; they are well-established news organizations with a track record of accurate reporting, particularly in health-related matters. The information provided is consistent across multiple outlets, which strengthens the validity of the claim. Furthermore, Gilead's own communications confirm this pricing, indicating transparency in their pricing strategy (USA Today).
However, it is important to note that while the list price is set at $28,218, many individuals may not pay this amount due to insurance coverage or assistance programs. Advocacy groups have expressed concerns about potential barriers to access, which could affect the actual cost to patients (The New York Times).
Conclusion
The claim that "Gilead's lenacapavir costs $28,218 a year before insurance" is True. This figure is consistently reported across multiple credible sources and is confirmed by Gilead itself. While the list price is high, the actual cost to patients may vary based on insurance and assistance programs.
Sources
- Regulators Approve Lenacapavir for H.I.V. Prevention - The New York Times
- The world’s only twice-a-year shot to prevent HIV - AP News
- FDA approves Gilead HIV prevention injection lenacapavir - CNBC
- FDA approves new twice-yearly HIV shot. What to know - USA Today
