Listen: The Cost Of PrEP, The HIV Prevention Pill

December 18, 2019

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KHN correspondent Shefali Luthra joined a discussion on the Vox podcast “Today, Explained” about the cost dynamics surrounding pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, a game-changing drug that prevents the transmission of HIV.

Gilead Sciences — the manufacturer of the brand-name versions of this preventive medicine, such as Truvada and Descovy — seeks to extend its patent but faces pushback from federal lawmakers, including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).

Luthra has reported on how public health officials whose efforts to increase access to the HIV prevention pill for those at risk have faced roadblocks: the drug’s price tag, which has surged in recent years, and changes in insurance coverage that put a heftier financial burden on patients.

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Listen: The Cost Of PrEP, The HIV Prevention Pill

December 18, 2019

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	This story also ran on .	<span class="republish-story">
		This story can be republished for free (<a rel="nofollow" href="/news/listen-the-cost-of-prep-the-hiv-prevention-pill/view/republish/">details</a>).	</span>
						
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KHN correspondent Shefali Luthra joined a discussion on the Vox podcast “Today, Explained” about the cost dynamics surrounding pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, a game-changing drug that prevents the transmission of HIV.</p>
<p>Gilead Sciences — the manufacturer of the brand-name versions of this preventive medicine, such as Truvada and Descovy — seeks to extend its patent but faces pushback from federal lawmakers, including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).</p>
<p>Luthra has <a href="/news/out-of-pocket-costs-put-hiv-prevention-drug-out-of-reach-for-many-at-risk/">reported</a> on how public health officials whose efforts to increase access to the HIV prevention pill for those at risk have faced roadblocks: the drug’s price tag, which has surged in recent years, and changes in insurance coverage that put a heftier financial burden on patients.</p>
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