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Hyderabad-based Aurobindo Pharma has been selected as one of the generic manufacturers under the expanded voluntary licensing agreement between the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) and ViiV Healthcare. This update now includes long-acting cabotegravir (CAB LA) for HIV treatment, in addition to its earlier use for prevention only.
This enables Aurobindo to manufacture and supply the long-acting injectable HIV treatment across 133 countries, including several low and middle-income markets. The treatment offers an alternative to daily pills, allowing patients to receive just one injection every one or two months.
K. Nithyananda Reddy, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Aurobindo Pharma said, “We are privileged to be part of the sub-license expansion from MPP and ViiV to develop, manufacture, and distribute generic CAB LA in select markets for the treatment of HIV-1, in addition to the voluntary licence for PrEP. This is a significant and timely step towards increasing access to advanced long-acting treatment in LMICs. Aurobindo remains committed to leveraging its global supply capabilities to make this vital combination long-acting injection therapy widely available and affordable. The consideration by ViiV and MPP to include the private market in royalty-bearing countries is a critical step toward expanding access across both public and private sectors.”
Through the agreement, the existing licensees, Aurobindo, Cipla and Viatris, will be able to develop, manufacture and supply generic versions of CAB LA, for use in combination with long-acting rilpivirine, for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents weighing at least 35kg, subject to required regulatory approvals being obtained.
Dr Philippe Duneton, Executive Director of Unitaid said, “Expanding access to long-acting injectable cabotegravir for HIV treatment is a major milestone in the global HIV response. This updated licensing agreement is a crucial step toward making innovative treatment options more accessible to people in countries most affected by HIV. Long-acting regimens can be transformative for people who face challenges with taking daily medication, and this progress reflects the power of strong partnerships to drive equitable access and advance our shared goal of ending the HIV epidemic.”
