For the past few months, CVS Caremark has declined to add a groundbreaking HIV prevention drug from Gilead Sciences to its formularies.
Clinical trials showed the twice-a-year injectable, called Yeztugo, was highly effective in preventing the infectious disease, prompting enthusiasm about combating HIV globally. But the pharmacy benefits manager has argued that the $28,000 price tag — before any rebates or discounts — in the U.S. is too high.
Just the same, other large insurers have started to cover the drug, and Gilead has told Wall Street analysts that about 90% of the targeted patient population should have access by June 2026. However, some critics argue the price will make it difficult to contain the disease in the U.S.
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