HQ Team
July 15, 2025: ViiV Healthcare, majority owned by GSK, has signed a pact with the UN-backed Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) to enable generic access to its HIV treatment in 133 countries.
ViiV, with Pfizer and Shionogi as shareholders, expanded its voluntary licensing agreement with the MPP to include patents relating to the medicine’s use in a long-acting HIV treatment regimen, according to a statement.
The new pact follows updated guidance from WHO recommending long-acting injectable cabotegravir in combination with Johnson & Johnson’s rilpivirine as an HIV treatment option.
Existing generic licensees for prevention will be able to develop, manufacture and supply generic CAB LA, in 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.
Low and middle-income nations
The MPP is a United Nations-backed public health organisation working to increase access to and facilitate the development of life-saving medicines for low- and middle-income countries.
“As leaders in long-acting innovation, we’re proud to be expanding our voluntary licence with the MPP to now include treatment of HIV in addition to prevention,” said Deborah Waterhouse, CEO at ViiV Healthcare.
“Long-acting injectables have the potential to transform HIV treatment, and we welcome the latest recommendations from WHO to expand treatment options,” she said.
“In line with our mission to ensure no one living with HIV is left behind, we’re committed to working with partners like MPP to continue to increase access and reach those most impacted by HIV.”
The updated MPP-ViiV agreement is an extension of the voluntary license for cabotegravir for HIV PrEP signed in 2022. ViiV Healthcare has been supporting the generic manufacturers with technical know-how to enable development and access to CAB LA as soon as possible.
Aurobindo, Cipla
The 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 35 kilograms, subject to required regulatory approvals.
Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the ViiV Healthcare group of companies.
“Our previous agreement with ViiV for dolutegravir 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,” said Charles Gore, Executive Director at MPP.
“CAB LA is a vital addition to 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-centred, choice- and needs-driven approach, which is exactly what an equitable and effective HIV response requires.”
WHO guidance
The MPP-ViiV agreement was 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, said Dr Meg Doherty, Director Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes at the World Health Organisation.
Cabotegravir, a long-acting medicine also branded as Apretude, is used for preventing sexually transmitted HIV-1 infection, pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP.
The MPP was founded by Unitaid, which continues to be MPP’s main funder. MPP’s work on access to essential medicines is also funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the Government of Canada, the World Intellectual Property Organization, and the Government of Flanders.
