CVS Health, one of the nations largest pharmacy benefit managers, has declined to cover Gileads newly FDA-approved HIV prevention drug Yeztugo (lenacapavir), a twice-yearly injection shown to be nearly 100% effective.CVS spokesperson David Whitrap told Reuters that the decision was determined by clinical, financial, and regulatory factors, citing the drugs high price as a major concern. Related FDA approves twice-a-year HIV prevention drug that could help end the virus worldwide Yeztugo costs more than $28,000 per year, though Gilead says it is continuing price discussions with CVS. Gilead noted that other pharmacy benefit managers have not raised similar objections and projects that 75% of U.S. insurers will cover Yeztugo by the end of this year, with 90% coverage expected by June 2026.Advocates have claimed that CVSs refusal to cover Yeztugo violates the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which requires insurers to cover preventive services recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force which includes PrEP. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today The entire world is excited by this drug and its potential contribution to preventing and eventually ending HIV, Carl Schmid, executive director of the HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute, said in a statement. However, a drug will only work if people can access it and right now CVS Health, which owns the largest pharmacy benefit manager in the country, is shamefully blocking people from taking it, unlike other payers.Currently, Gileads Truvada remains the most widely used HIV prevention medication. Available in generic form since 2020, it costs less than $60 per month. When taken as directed, Truvada provides over 99% protection against HIV transmission through sex and roughly 74% protection for people who inject drugs. Yeztugo gained FDA approval for preventive use in June, following strong trial results which showed that lenacapavir offers even greater protection than Truvada. Among 2,180 trial participants on lenacapavir, only two contracted HIV, compared with nine among 1,087 participants taking Truvada. Overall, Yeztugo reduced the risk of contracting HIV by 96% and was 89% more effective than daily use of Truvada. Beyond effectiveness, the new injectable is far more convenient: While Truvada requires daily oral dosing, Yeztugo requires only two injections per year.Advocates are demanding that CVS reverse course and cover the medication. We urge CVS, which has been committed to ending HIV in the past, to reconsider their decision immediately, Schmid said. Additionally, we call on federal and state regulators to ensure that plans are in compliance with the federal governments PrEP coverage guidance and the many state laws that require coverage of all PrEP drugs.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.