Kenya, Uganda and South Africa have been selected to prepare for the production of a new once-a-month HIV prevention pill.
The drug, called alimatravir (MK-8527), is being developed by MSD/Merck and is currently undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials.
Manufacturers selected in Africa are Universal Corporation Limited in Kenya, Quality Chemical Industries Limited in Uganda and Aspen Pharmacare in South Africa.
With support from Unitaid, the companies are preparing their manufacturing capacity early so they could produce the drug locally if trials are successful and regulators approve it.
The move could help make new HIV prevention medicines available faster in Africa while strengthening the continent’s ability to manufacture advanced medicines locally.
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