ViiV, a GSK Company, Aims to Boost HIV Medication Distribution Across Africa

ViiV, a GSK Company, Aims to Boost HIV Medication Distribution Across Africa

ViiV, a GSK Company, Aims to Boost HIV Medication Distribution Across Africa

Dive Brief:

  • On Monday, ViiV Healthcare, supported by GSK, announced its intent to increase the quantity of its HIV prevention therapy available at a non-profit price across low- and middle-income nations next year and in 2026.
  • The firm, predominantly owned by GSK and featuring Pfizer and Shionogi as investors, pledges to deliver no fewer than 2 million doses of its long-acting cabotegravir drug for pre-exposure prophylaxis.
  • This injectable medication, known as cabotegravir, was authorized in the U.S. under the name Apretude after studies demonstrated its effectiveness in HIV prevention. ViiV states that this commitment will significantly widen access to HIV preventive measures in resource-limited nations with high disease prevalence.

Dive Insight:

In conjunction with an HIV conference in Peru, the announcement from ViiV illustrates how major pharmaceutical companies navigate the challenge of pricing strategies in developed markets while implementing access policies in other regions.

Founded in 2009 through a partnership between GSK and Pfizer, ViiV has introduced several essential medications aimed at HIV treatment and prevention, such as Cabenuva, Dovato, and Tivicay.

Apretude, one of its latest offerings, is administered as an injection every two months, providing a long-lasting prevention solution. ViiV began its rollout at a non-profit pricing model in Zambia earlier this year, subsequently extending this effort to Malawi, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and Ukraine. The organization anticipates having this drug available in nine additional countries by the end of the year.

Furthermore, ViiV has initiated fellowships, provided grants to local organizations, and launched a coalition to enhance drug access. In 2022, a licensing agreement with the Medicines Patent Pool was signed to facilitate the development of generic versions of long-acting cabotegravir for PrEP.

Alongside ViiV, Gilead has played a pivotal role in advancing HIV medications and preventive strategies. Just last week, the company agreed to grant licenses for its HIV medication lenacapavir to six generic manufacturers, allowing them to produce and distribute generics in low- and middle-income nations grappling with high HIV rates. While lenacapavir is used for HIV treatment, Gilead is also pursuing regulatory approval for its use as a preventive medication.