Merck signs licensing deals with 4 Indian firms to produce monthly oral HIV pill

US pharma major Merck — known as MSD outside the US and Canada — has signed non-exclusive voluntary licensing agreements with four Indian generic drugmakers to manufacture and supply its investigational once-monthly oral HIV pill, Alimatravir.

The Indian partners are Aurobindo Pharma, Cipla, Emcure and Viatris. Merck has also signed similar agreements with three companies in sub-Saharan Africa.

The royalty-free agreements cover both the public and private sectors. They will enable the seven licensees to supply generic versions of Alimatravir in 129 low- and middle-income countries that account for a substantial majority of new HIV diagnoses globally, Merck said.

The once-monthly oral pill is being developed as a long-acting option to improve adherence for people living with HIV. By licensing production to manufacturers in India and Africa, Merck aims to scale up affordable access in high-burden regions ahead of potential regulatory approvals.

The move adds to ongoing efforts to expand treatment options in LMICs, where access to newer antiretrovirals has often been limited by cost and supply.