This country snapshot examines the opportunities and barriers to ensuring equitable access to lenacapavir in Brazil. Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention medicine administered just twice a year, has the potential to transform HIV prevention efforts. The number of new HIV infections continues to rise across Latin America and Brazil remains one of the countries most affected by HIV in the region. This means that expanding access to effective prevention tools is a critical public health priority in the country and the region.
The report provides an overview of Brazil’s current regulatory landscape for lenacapavir, including its recent approval for HIV prevention, and explores the key challenges that could limit access, including high prices, patent protections and restricted generic competition. It also examines Brazil’s legal and policy options for improving affordability and availability, drawing on the country’s history of using public-interest measures to expand access to HIV medicines. Finally, the report sets out priority actions for governments, civil society and the pharmaceutical industry to help ensure that lenacapavir reaches everyone who could benefit from it.
