• 16 Jul 2025
• Admin
• News Article

ViiV & MPP extend voluntary licensing long-acting injectable HIV treatment, Indian pharma to benefit

Overview

ViiV Healthcare, the global specialist HIV company majority owned by GSK, with Pfizer and Shionogi as shareholders, and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP), announced an update to their voluntary licensing agreement to include patents relating to its use in a long-acting regimen.

WHO Endorses Long-Acting HIV Treatment; Generic Access Expanded to 133 Countries

• The announcement follows updated guidance from the WHO recommending long-acting injectable cabotegravir + rilpivirine as an HIV treatment option. 
• Existing generic licensees for prevention will be able to develop, manufacture and supply generic CAB LA, for use in combination with long-acting rilpivirine, subject to required regulatory approvals, to help enable access to the long-acting treatment in 133 countries worldwide. 
• This includes all least-developed, low-income, lower middle-income, and Sub-Saharan African countries, as well as countries where ViiV does not have patent rights for cabotegravir.

Terms of updated MPP-ViiV agreement

• The updated MPP-ViiV agreement is an extension of the voluntary licensing agreement for cabotegravir long-acting (CAB LA) for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). 
• ViiV supports generic manufacturers with technical know-how to enable development and access to CAB LA as soon as possible.
• Through the agreement, 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.

Statement from Deborah Waterhouse: CEO, ViiV Healthcare

Deborah Waterhouse, CEO, ViiV Healthcare said: “Long-acting injectables have the potential to transform HIV treatment and we welcome the latest recommendations from WHO to expand treatment options. In line with our mission to ensure no one living with HIV is left behind, we’re committed to working with partners like the MPP to continue to increase access and reach those most impacted by HIV.”

Statement from Charles Gore: Executive director, MPP

Charles Gore, executive director MPP said: “Our dolutegravir licence with ViiV has already enabled the supply of generic DTG-based HIV treatments in 129 countries and we hope that over time a similar coverage can be achieved for CAB LA. CAB LA is a vital additional tool in the HIV treatment toolbox—especially for people facing adherence challenges with oral regimens. Expanding access to long-acting options like this supports a more person-cantered, choice- and needs-driven approach, which is exactly what an equitable and effective HIV response requires.”

From Dr Meg Doherty: Director global HIV, hepatitis and STI Programmes

Dr Meg Doherty, director global HIV, hepatitis and STI Programmes said: ""This step is closely aligned with WHO’s new recommendation of long-acting injectable antiretrovirals as an alternative for people who are virologically suppressed but face adherence challenges with daily oral regimens. It reflects our commitment to expanding access to innovative, person-cantered treatment options that improve outcomes—particularly in underserved regions.

From Dr Philippe Duneton, Executive director, Unitaid

Dr Philippe Duneton, executive director, Unitaid said: “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.