A long-acting injectable to prevent HIV infection may be generating hope that a new era in the battle against AIDS is about to begin. But a newly published analysis suggested the medicine will not be cost-effective unless the price is considerably lower, since much cheaper pills to prevent HIV are available.
At issue is Apretude, which was approved late last year by U.S. regulators as the first alternative to a pill — known as pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP— that must be taken daily to prevent HIV. The brand and generic versions of the pill are 99% effective, but only when taken as prescribed. That has proven problematic because not everyone adheres to the regimen, and studies have found discontinuation rates are high and persist over time.
Yet the convenience of a bi-monthly shot might be overshadowed by the annual $22,200 cost. How so? By comparison, a generic version of an older PrEP pill known as Truvada costs $360. And based on cost-effectiveness calculations, Apretude would have to be priced no more than $7,000, according to the analysis, which was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers
Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts.
Already have an account? Log in
About the Author Reprints
To submit a correction request, please visit our Contact Us page.
