Merck & Co. signed seven non-exclusive, royalty-free voluntary licensing agreements with generic drug manufacturers. These agreements cover its experimental once-monthly HIV prevention pill, alimatravir (MK-8527). The deals aim to broaden access to the drug in 129 low- and middle-income countries following its potential regulatory approval.
Merck signed agreements with four companies in India. For the first time in an initial HIV drug licensing round, three manufacturers are in sub-Saharan Africa. This strategy aims to establish early manufacturing capabilities, strengthen regional supply chains, and accelerate access to the pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) treatment. The treatment is currently in Phase 3 trials.