Granting patents to US firm Gilead Sciences for lenacapavir could hinder global efforts to end AIDS & restrict access to affordable generics in India, warn civil society organisations.

In newly released data, lenacapavir, given via a twice-yearly injection, has shown remarkable effectiveness at eliminating HIV transmission during sexual contact. But its cost could be an issue.

Indian Patent Office to hear objections against Gilead's Lenacapavir patent claims, crucial for affordable HIV treatment worldwide.

The US-based Gilead Sciences’ long-acting injectable HIV drug lenacapavir is at the centre of a patent opposition case scheduled to come up this week at the Indian Patent Office (IPO). Civil society group Sankalp Rehabilitation Trust had opposed Gilead’s patent application on the grounds that it was a known compound.