Aurobindo Pharma signs voluntary licensing pact with MSD to manufacture alimatravir

Royalty-free agreement covers supply of generic HIV prevention drug to 129 low- and middle-income countries, subject to regulatory approvals

Aurobindo Pharma Limited has entered into a non-exclusive voluntary licensing agreement with MSD (the trade name of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA) to manufacture and supply generic alimatravir, an investigational HIV prevention medicine, across 129 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), subject to successful development and regulatory approvals.

The company is among a select group of global generic manufacturers chosen to participate in the royalty-free licensing programme, which aims to expand access to the potential HIV prevention therapy in countries accounting for the majority of new HIV diagnoses worldwide.

According to the companies, the agreements have been executed before the completion of Phase III clinical trial enrolment—an unprecedented step in HIV prevention—intended to accelerate manufacturing readiness and facilitate rapid scale-up following regulatory approvals.

Under the agreement, Aurobindo Pharma will manufacture and supply generic alimatravir that meets internationally recognised quality standards.

Commenting on the partnership, Umesh K, Associate President & Head – Global Access & Licensing, Aurobindo Pharma, said the agreement reinforces the company's commitment to expanding access to high-quality, affordable medicines through partnerships with global innovators.

"Through this voluntary licensing agreement, we look forward to making alimatravir available across eligible low- and middle-income countries, subject to successful development and regulatory approvals, helping strengthen global efforts towards HIV prevention," he said.

Gregg Szabo, Senior Vice President, Global HIV Marketing, MSD, said the company is pleased to collaborate with Aurobindo Pharma and other licensed manufacturers to support future access to generic alimatravir across eligible countries.

He added that the early execution of these licensing agreements is expected to help governments, healthcare systems and other stakeholders prepare for the scale-up required to expand access to HIV prevention following the necessary regulatory approvals.