ViiV concludes deal with MPP for production of cabotegravir generics

After announcing the start of discussions early last year relating to its cabotegravir long-acting (LA) for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), ViiV Healthcare, which is majority-owned by UK pharma major GSK (LSE: GSK), says an accord has now been struck with the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP).

As a result, the MPP has signed sublicence agreements with Indian drugmakers Aurobindo (BSE: 524804) and Cipla (BSE: 500087, and Viatris (Nasdaq: VTRS) – through its subsidiary Mylan – to manufacture generic versions of cabotegravir long-acting (LA) for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). This is enabled by the signing of a voluntary licensing agreement on the PreP product.

MPP executive director Charles Gore commented: “These three sublicence agreements are the first that MPP has signed for a long-acting medicine, and we are thrilled to be moving concretely into this space as these generic versions of cabotegravir LA for PrEP will contribute to broadening access to innovative long-acting prevention medicines in low- and middle-income countries. MPP is ready to support the selected generic manufacturers who can also count on our long-standing partner ViiV Healthcare to support the development process.”