Merck and Medicines Patent Pool sign licensing agreement for pediatric raltegravir

The Medicines Patent Pool has announced a license with US pharma giant Merck & Co (NYSE: MRK) for pediatric formulations of raltegravir, a key medicine to treat children with HIV.

The new license means generics manufacturers around the world can develop, manufacture and sell low-cost pediatric versions of raltegravir in countries with the highest burden of disease. The World Health Organization recommends raltegravir as a component of pediatric third-line treatment.

Greg Perry, executive director of the MPP, said: "MPP is pleased to have MSD [Merck's operating name outside the USA and Canada] on board as a new private sector partner working with us on pediatric programs. Raltegravir adds to our arsenal of pediatric licenses in supporting better options for children in low- and middle-income countries and can benefit the most neglected sub-segment: infants and toddlers less than three years of age."