Aurobindo Pharma signs voluntary license with MPP for Cabotegravir Long Acting Injectable

Aurobindo Pharma Ltd has signed voluntary license with Medicines Patent Pool (MPP), a UN organization, for developing and marketing Cabotegravir Tablets & Long Acting Injectables, originally developed by ViiV Healthcare, for the prevention of HIV in 90 Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC), including India.

For the generic version of Cabotegravir, Aurobindo will utilize their vertically integrated capabilities to develop in-house API manufacturing which will enable stronger control on supply chain and cost efficiencies. The tablet and injectable dosage forms of the product will be produced at the APL Healthcare Unit IV, Naidupet, India, and at the new Eugia Sterile facility, Vizag, India, respectively. The company has adequate capacities of world class standards, to meet the global demand for the product across the licensed territory.

Mr. K. Nithyananda Reddy, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Aurobindo said, “We are excited that we have been granted the voluntary license from MPP to develop, manufacture & distribute generic Cabotegravir Tablets & Long Acting Injectables in select markets. This is the first time a longer acting injectable product for prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection will be made available in the LMIC, through this license. This product will be a good addition to Aurobindo’s ARV portfolio and will further strengthen our leadership in the generic HIV medicine space. We are looking forward to start supplying the product at the earliest and to help reducing the risk of HIV type 1 (HIV-1) infection in certain adults and adolescents weighing at least 35kg.”

Charles Gore, Executive Director of the Medicines Patent Pool said, “We are delighted to count Aurobindo as one of the selected sublicensees to produce affordable high-quality versions of Cabotegravir long acting for PrEP. Broadening access to this innovative long-acting HIV prevention medicine could significantly contribute to ending HIV transmission by providing people with a choice in their HIV prevention options.