Quality Chemical Industries Limited (Qcil), Uganda's leading pharmaceutical manufacturer, today announced that it has entered into a licensing agreement with MSD, to support the potential manufacture and supply of a generic version of alimatravir, MSD's investigational, long-acting, once-monthly oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) candidate drug, subject to successful completion of clinical trials and regulatory approvals.
The agreement reflects a shared commitment by Qcil and MSD to expand equitable access to innovative HIV prevention options in Africa, where the burden of new HIV infections remains disproportionately high. If approved, alimatravir has the potential to become the first once-monthly oral PrEP option, offering people at risk of HIV infection a convenient, prevention alternative that could help improve adherence and broaden access to HIV prevention.
For more than two decades, Qcil has played a pivotal role in strengthening access to affordable, quality-assured, WHO prequalified HIV and malaria medicines through local pharmaceutical manufacturing. The company has built extensive expertise in producing antiretroviral and antimalarial medicines that meet international quality standards, contributing significantly to treatment efforts in Uganda and across the African continent.
Qcil also recently reached another historic milestone with the commissioning of its dedicated Hydroxyurea manufacturing facility and the launch of Sikurea 500mg and 100mg, a locally manufactured treatment for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), making it the only manufacturer in Africa.
Through this licensing agreement, Qcil will contribute its manufacturing capabilities, regulatory expertise, and long-standing experience in HIV medicines to support the potential availability a generic version of alimatravir in Africa, once all necessary clinical and regulatory requirements have been met. The collaboration underscores the importance of partnerships between global innovators and African manufacturers in improving health security and accelerating access to life-saving medicines.
"This licensing agreement represents an important milestone in our continued commitment to improving access to innovative, affordable medicines for people across Africa. HIV remains one of the continent's biggest public health challenges, and we are proud to partner with MSD in preparing for the potential future availability of alimatravir. By combining MSD's scientific innovation with Qcil's manufacturing expertise and regional presence, we hope to help expand access to an important new HIV prevention option, subject to successful clinical trials and regulatory approvals." Said Ajay Kumar Pal, CEO of Qcil.
Qcil also expressed its appreciation to MSD for the collaboration and for its commitment to expanding global access to innovative HIV prevention technologies through strategic partnerships.
