Fact Check: "Gilead's lenacapavir shot costs $28,218 a year before insurance."
What We Know
Gilead Sciences has developed a new injectable medication called lenacapavir, which is designed for the prevention of HIV. The U.S. list price for this medication is set at $28,218 per year before insurance coverage, as confirmed by multiple sources including Gilead itself (AP News, CNBC). This pricing aligns with other existing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) options, such as the daily pills Truvada and Descovy, which cost approximately $24,000 annually without insurance (AP News).
Lenacapavir is notable for being administered as a shot twice a year, which is less frequent than other available PrEP options (New York Times). The drug is marketed under the name Yeztugo for prevention, while it is also used for treatment under the name Sunlenca (AP News).
Analysis
The claim regarding the annual cost of lenacapavir is substantiated by reliable sources. Gilead's spokesperson explicitly stated that the annual list price is $28,218 before insurance (CNBC). This figure has been corroborated by the Associated Press, which noted that this pricing is comparable to other PrEP medications (AP News).
The credibility of these sources is high, as they include major news organizations and official statements from Gilead Sciences. The New York Times, for instance, is a well-respected publication known for its rigorous fact-checking and reporting standards (New York Times). Additionally, the FDA's approval of lenacapavir adds a layer of legitimacy to the claims about its pricing and intended use (CNBC).
However, it is important to note that while the list price is set at $28,218, Gilead has indicated that they anticipate insurance coverage and have financial assistance programs in place to help those who may struggle with the cost (AP News, CNBC). This context is crucial, as it highlights the potential for reduced out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
Conclusion
The claim that Gilead's lenacapavir shot costs $28,218 a year before insurance is True. This figure is directly supported by statements from Gilead and corroborated by multiple reputable news sources. While the high cost raises concerns about accessibility, the company is working on providing financial assistance and expects insurance coverage to mitigate these issues.
