In a major move for global health, pharmaceutical giant Merck has reached a deal allowing generic drugmakers, including three based in sub-Saharan Africa, to produce low-cost versions of its experimental, once-monthly HIV prevention pill, alimatravir.
The royalty-free licensing agreements cover 129 low- and lower-middle-income countries, paving the way for cheaper access across regions hit hardest by the virus. Crucially, it marks the first time African manufacturers have been included in a global voluntary licensing deal right at the start of a drug’s late-stage development, rather than years after its commercial launch.
The three sub-Saharan African companies involved are South Africa’s Aspen Pharmacare, Uganda’s Quality Chemical Industries, and Kenya’s Universal Corporation Limited. Four major Indian producers, Aurobindo, Cipla, Emcure, and Viatris, were also selected for the rollout.
Sub-Saharan Africa remains the epicenter of the global HIV epidemic, accounting for more than half of the roughly 40.9 million people living with HIV today.
Although late-stage Phase 3 clinical trial results for alimatravir aren’t expected until late next year, signing the agreement now gives local manufacturers a head start. They will be able to build out their supply chains and clear regulatory hurdles well before the pill officially hits the market.
If approved, alimatravir would offer a simple, monthly oral option for HIV-1 pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), designed to provide protection starting within an hour of taking the dose.
–ChannelAfrica/Reuters–
