Health · Medical Research · 5 hrs ago
India groups challenge 18 patent filings for HIV drug lenacapavir
Patient groups in India challenged 18 patent applications filed by Gilead Sciences for lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV drug.
They argue the applications lack novelty and inventive steps, and could delay affordable generic versions.
Lenacapavir is given by injection twice a year for HIV prevention and treatment, and the WHO has designated it an essential medicine.
Gilead’s filings cover the drug and different aspects of its use; critics say the layered patents could extend market exclusivity beyond the standard 20-year patent term.
Six generic manufacturers, including Dr Reddy’s, have licences to make and sell the drug in 120 low- and lower-middle-income countries, with the injection projected to cost about $40 per person each year.
Patient groups have asked India’s patent office to reject the secondary applications; if granted, the patents are set to expire in 2042.
Gilead Sciences has filed at least 18 patent applications in India for HIV drug lenacapavir.
Patient groups and civil society have opposed the applications, arguing they lack novelty and inventive steps.
The groups say the filings could delay affordable generic versions and restrict patient access.
Lenacapavir is a long-acting injection administered twice yearly for HIV prevention and treatment.
- Who
- Gilead Sciences filed the patent applications. Patient groups and civil society groups have opposed them.
- What
- Groups are challenging 18 patent applications for lenacapavir in India.
- When
- The article was published on November 13, 2026. The date the opposition was filed is not stated.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- The groups say the applications lack novelty and inventive steps and could delay affordable generics and restrict access.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The US FDA approved Gilead Sciences' lenacapavir as the first and only twice-yearly injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis to reduce sexually acquired HIV.
Patient groups and civil society had filed an opposition to Gilead's patent applications in India.
- Patent applications
- At least 18 filed in India
- Generic licensing
- Six manufacturers signed voluntary licences with Gilead
- Licensed markets
- 120 low- and lower-middle-income countries, including India
- Projected generic cost
- About $40 per person annually
- Patent expiry
- Applications, if granted, are set to expire in 2042
What people are saying
The pattern of filings reflects a systematic strategy to create layered patent protection around a single medicine, with the effect of deterring generic entry and prolonged monopoly control beyond the standard 20-year patent term.
Granting these patents would legitimise Gilead's evergreening strategy