Emcure Pharma and Gilead Sciences Team up to produce HIV prevention drug

Emcure Pharmaceuticals announced a royalty-free voluntary licensing agreement with Gilead Sciences Ireland UC, a subsidiary of the California-based Gilead Sciences, to manufacture and supply generic versions of lenacapavir, the antiretroviral medication.

Lenacapavir is an important medication for HIV prevention and treatment. The agreement aims to bolster access to lenacapavir in 120 countries, with a particular focus on resource-limited nations that experience high rates of HIV infection.

By providing high-quality, low-cost versions of the drug, Emcure hopes to make a meaningful impact in regions where such treatments are urgently needed, the company said in a press release.

Satish Mehta, Managing Director and CEO of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, expressed his thoughts on the collaboration, stating, "We are proud to partner with Gilead in this global initiative to expand access to critical HIV medicines."

Mehta highlighted Emcure's established presence in the HIV antiviral market in India and its experience supplying HIV medications to over 100 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

"Emcure is uniquely positioned to drive impactful change in the global fight against HIV," Mehta added. "By bringing lenacapavir to the regions that need it most, we are taking a step forward in improving health outcomes worldwide."

Emcure's involvement is seen as a critical step toward addressing the challenges faced by those living with HIV in economically disadvantaged regions, the leading pharmaceutical firm said.