ViiV expands licensing deal for its HIV drug in low-income countries

Once again, ViiV Healthcare has announced steps to widen access to a sought-after HIV medicine in low- and middle-income countries, reflecting ongoing pressure to respond to criticism.

Under the latest arrangement, the company is expanding a licensing agreement reached three years ago with the Medicines Patent Pool, which is backed by the United Nations and negotiates licensing rights for manufacturing to generic companies. The initial deal for the drug, a long-acting medicine known as cabotegravir, covered HIV prevention, but will now also include treatment.

Specifically, existing generic licensees will be able to develop, manufacture, and supply versions of the drug to be used in combination with long-acting rilpivirine, another HIV medicine that is made by Johnson & Johnson. The move comes after the World Health Organization issued updated guidance recommending the combination as a treatment option for HIV.