South Africa is poised to become a prominent manufacturing center for an economical variant of the groundbreaking HIV-prevention medication CAP-LA. This development aims to grant millions of individuals access to the drug in a region that accounts for nearly two-thirds of new HIV infections worldwide, as stated by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Cipla Limited, an Indian multinational pharmaceutical company, will undertake the production of the drug, known as cabotegravir long-acting (LA), at its facilities in either Benoni or Durban, as per a report by The Guardian on Thursday.
In the previous year, the WHO hailed CAB-LA as a “secure and exceptionally effective preventive option for individuals at significant risk of HIV infection.” The drug functions by impeding HIV from infiltrating cells, substantially diminishing the likelihood of infection. Extensive research has demonstrated its efficacy in reducing the risk of contracting the virus through sexual contact.
Viiv Healthcare, the developers of the drug, and Medicines Patent Pool, a public health organization backed by the United Nations, have announced sublicense agreements with Aurobindo, Cipla, and Viatris for the production of the generic version, executed in March.
In a statement published on the MPP website, the organization noted that the chosen manufacturers would be able to produce and supply generic versions in 90 countries, pending the acquisition of necessary regulatory approvals.
The drug is administered via a six-times-per-year injection regimen, with an initial single 600mg (3ml) dose given one month apart for two consecutive months, according to the MPP. However, individuals must first receive a negative HIV-1 test before being eligible for the medication.
In South Africa, ViiV Healthcare currently holds the patent for CAB-LA until 2031, limiting competition. The company has also received regulatory approval for the drug’s use in the United States, Australia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Malawi, targeting at-risk adults and adolescents.
