Aspen secures African rights to MSD’s once-monthly HIV prevention pill
The agreement covers 129 countries, including all African nations, and gives Aspen rights across both public and private healthcare sectors.
SOUTH AFRICA—Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited has signed a voluntary licence agreement with MSD, granting Aspen rights to develop, manufacture and commercialise alimatravir (MK-8527), an investigational once-monthly oral medicine for HIV-1 prevention.
The agreement covers 129 countries, including all African nations, and gives Aspen rights across both public and private healthcare sectors.
Under the deal, MSD will provide Aspen with a technical package to support development and potential local manufacturing.
“This agreement reflects Aspen’s commitment to expanding access to important medicines across Africa,” said Stephen Saad, Aspen Group Chief Executive.
“Through our agreement with MSD, we have the opportunity to support the future supply of an innovative HIV prevention option while strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing and healthcare resilience across the continent.”
Alimatravir is currently being evaluated in Phase III clinical trials as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
Although the medicine has not yet received regulatory approval, results from studies to date have been encouraging, with final Phase III results expected to guide future regulatory submissions.
If approved, alimatravir could become the first once-monthly oral HIV prevention option, offering an alternative to daily PrEP.
A monthly tablet could simplify prevention for people who face challenges taking medication every day, particularly in communities with limited healthcare access.
Support for South Africa’s HIV response
South Africa continues to carry a substantial HIV burden, making new prevention options an important part of efforts to reduce infections.
The ongoing Phase III programme includes clinical sites in several countries, with South Africa hosting the largest component of the study.
South African Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi welcomed the licensing agreement, citing its potential contribution to the country’s HIV prevention programme.
He said the partnership could strengthen the prevention toolkit, particularly for adolescents, young women, key populations and communities that experience barriers to daily medication.
Motsoaledi also highlighted the potential adherence benefits of monthly dosing compared with daily medication.
He said local manufacturing could strengthen health security by reducing reliance on global supply chains and helping ensure timely access if alimatravir proves safe, effective and receives regulatory approval.
Strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing
South African Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau said the partnership demonstrates how strategic collaboration can advance the country’s industrial capabilities while addressing a major public health challenge.
He said local production of the investigational medicine could strengthen South Africa’s pharmaceutical industry, support localisation, develop high-value manufacturing capabilities and contribute to improved health outcomes across Africa.
Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, described the agreement as an important milestone for Africa’s pharmaceutical manufacturing ambitions.
He noted that although African countries have participated extensively in clinical research, manufacturing and much of the economic value have historically been concentrated elsewhere.
Under the agreement, Aspen and MSD will support regulatory processes when African authorities request it following successful completion of the Phase III programme.
If the results are favourable, the companies expect to pursue regulatory submissions to make alimatravir available across licensed territories as soon as possible.
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