Sunlenca (lenacapavir)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Gilead Advancing Access Patient Assistance Program
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $75,300 for a single person
Insurance
Uninsured, underinsured, or Medicare-eligible patients who meet financial criteria and lack coverage for Sunlenca.
Residency
U.S. resident or resident of U.S. territories with a valid address
Income Limits (500% FPL)
Income threshold calculated at 500% FPL for 2025; requirements may be adjusted for high cost of living areas.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# Gilead Advancing Access Patient Assistance Program: A Patient Guide to Free Sunlenca (Lenacapavir)
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Who Qualifies for the Gilead Advancing Access Patient Assistance Program?
If you are living with multi-drug resistant HIV-1 and cannot afford Sunlenca (lenacapavir), you may be able to get it at no cost through the Gilead Advancing Access Patient Assistance Program. This program is designed specifically for patients who lack adequate insurance coverage for Sunlenca and meet financial eligibility requirements. For a single-person household, the maximum annual income limit is $75,300. To qualify, you must be uninsured, underinsured, or a Medicare-eligible patient who does not have coverage for Sunlenca through your current plan. If you meet these criteria, this program may cover the full cost of your medication.
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About Sunlenca (Lenacapavir)
Sunlenca (lenacapavir) is a prescription medication manufactured by Gilead Sciences. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults with multi-drug resistant HIV-1 who have tried multiple other HIV treatments that are no longer working for them. Sunlenca belongs to a drug class called HIV-1 capsid inhibitors, which represents a newer mechanism of action in HIV treatment. Because it is a specialty medication with a novel mechanism, Sunlenca carries a high list price that can make it unaffordable without insurance or financial assistance. There are currently no FDA-approved generic or biosimilar versions available.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
The Gilead Advancing Access Patient Assistance Program uses income thresholds set at 500% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for 2025. The limits vary based on how many people live in your household:
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $75,300 |
| 2 persons | $102,200 |
| 3 persons | $129,100 |
| 4 persons | $156,000 |
If your household is larger than four people, contact the program directly at (800) 226-2056 to ask about the applicable threshold for your household size.
Income is typically verified using your most recent federal tax return (Form 1040), W-2 forms, or three months of recent pay stubs. Gilead may use your prior year's income as the basis for review.
If your income is above the listed limits, you may not qualify for the free medication program. However, you should still explore the savings card option (for insured patients) or speak with a patient support specialist to confirm whether any exceptions or alternative resources apply. Some high cost-of-living areas may have adjusted thresholds, so it is worth asking even if your income appears to exceed the standard limits.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance status plays a direct role in whether you qualify. Here is how the program applies to different situations:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for free Sunlenca through the Gilead Advancing Access Patient Assistance Program:
1. Gather your documents. You will need: a completed application form with your physician's signature, proof of income (your most recent Form 1040 tax return, W-2, or three months of pay stubs), and a valid prescription for Sunlenca.
2. Choose your application method. You can apply in multiple ways:
- Online: Visit https://www.gileadadvancingaccess.com/ to start your application.
- By phone: Call (800) 226-2056 to speak with a program specialist who can guide you through the process.
- By fax: Send your completed application and supporting documents to (800) 216-6857.
3. Complete the application form. Fill out all required fields accurately. Your prescribing physician must sign the form before submission.
4. Submit your documents. Send your completed application along with your proof of income and prescription using your chosen method (online, phone, or fax).
5. Wait for confirmation. Processing typically takes one to two business days after Gilead receives your complete application.
6. Follow up if needed. If you have not heard back within two business days, call (800) 226-2056 to check the status of your application.
7. Renew annually. Your enrollment must be reauthorized each year to continue receiving Sunlenca through the program.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
Most applications are processed within one to two business days after Gilead receives all required documents. You or your doctor's office will typically receive confirmation of approval directly from Gilead. Once approved, Sunlenca is shipped directly to your prescriber's office, not to your home. Your prescriber or their staff will notify you when the medication is ready for pickup. You will not need to pay at the time of pickup if you are enrolled in the program. To continue receiving Sunlenca at no cost, you must complete annual reauthorization, which involves submitting updated income documentation and a renewed prescription.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not meet the eligibility requirements for the patient assistance program, there are still options to explore:
1. Biosimilars: There are currently no FDA-approved biosimilar or generic versions of Sunlenca (lenacapavir) available. This may change in the future.
2. Gilead Savings Card (for insured patients): If you have private insurance, you may be eligible for a co-pay savings card through Gilead Advancing Access. This card can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Learn more at https://www.gileadadvancingaccess.com/copay-coupon-card.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states offer their own drug assistance programs, especially for HIV medications. Contact your state health department or AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) office to ask what is available in your state.
4. NeedyMeds.org: This free online database lists hundreds of patient assistance programs and drug discount options. Visit www.needymeds.org to search for additional help with Sunlenca or related HIV medications.
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*This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Eligibility determinations are made solely by Gilead. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.gileadadvancingaccess.com/copay-assistance/patient-assistance-program](https://www.gileadadvancingaccess.com/copay-assistance/patient-assistance-program) before applying.*
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Documents You'll Need
If You Don't Qualify for the Assistance Program
Manufacturer Savings Card (for insured patients)
Gilead offers a savings card that may reduce your out-of-pocket cost if you have commercial insurance. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist for current savings card details.
Common Questions
Most applications are reviewed within one to two business days after Gilead receives your completed application and all required documents. If you have not heard back after two business days, you can call Gilead Advancing Access at (800) 226-2056 to check your status.
Yes. Medicare-eligible patients who do not have coverage for Sunlenca under their current plan may qualify for the Gilead Advancing Access Patient Assistance Program. Contact the program at (800) 226-2056 to confirm whether your specific Medicare coverage affects your eligibility.
No. If you are approved, Sunlenca is shipped directly to your prescriber's office. Your doctor or their staff will let you know when it is ready for you to pick up. There is no cost to you at the time of pickup if you are enrolled in the free medication program.
You will need three things: a completed application form signed by your prescribing physician, proof of income such as your most recent Form 1040 tax return, W-2, or three months of pay stubs, and a valid prescription for Sunlenca.
Yes. The Gilead Advancing Access Patient Assistance Program requires annual reauthorization. This means you will need to submit updated income documentation and a renewed prescription each year to continue receiving Sunlenca at no cost through the program.
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