The Downstream Impacts of High Drug Costs for PrEP Have Hindered the Promise of HIV Prevention

J Law Med Ethics. 2022;50(S1):47-50. doi: 10.1017/jme.2022.35.

Abstract

Prior to the recent introduction of generic TDF/FTC in the U.S., access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV was greatly limited due to the downstream effects of the high cost of the medication. This article argues that despite drug copay cards and patient assistance programs, the promise of drastically reduced HIV diagnoses has never been fully realized, and more policy reforms on drug pricing are needed to make ending the HIV epidemic a reality.

Keywords: Access; Disparities; Drug Pricing; HIV; PrEP.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-HIV Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Drug Costs
  • Drugs, Generic
  • HIV Infections* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis*

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Drugs, Generic