09:21 AM EDT, 08/21/2025 (MT Newswires) -- (Update to add Gilead's comment in the fourth paragraph)

CVS Health ( CVS ) has decided not to include Gilead Sciences' (GILD) new HIV prevention drug, Yeztugo, in its commercial or Affordable Care Act plans for now, Reuters reported Thursday, citing company spokesperson David Whitrap.

The company cited clinical, financial and regulatory reasons, including current federal guidelines that recommend only three older HIV prevention drugs, the report said.

Yeztugo, a twice-yearly injection priced at over $28,000 per year, is still under negotiation between Gilead and CVS, Reuters said, citing a source familiar with the situation.

Gilead told MT Newswires that it is on track to achieve 75% US insurance coverage within six months of launch and 90% within 12 months.

Reuters also said that other major pharmacy benefit managers, such as UnitedHealth Group's ( UNH ) OptumRx, are reviewing the drug for potential coverage, while Cigna's ( CI ) Express Scripts did not respond to requests for comment.

It added that US government programs, including Medicare and the Veterans Administration, already cover Yeztugo.

CVS Health ( CVS ) did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' requests for comment.

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