Karachi: Ferozsons Laboratories Limited has officially announced a new partnership with Gilead Sciences Ireland UC to produce a generic version of the HIV drug lenacapavir. The agreement, which targets resource-constrained areas, will notably enhance access to this critical medication in developing regions.
According to regulatory filings, the collaboration aligns with Sec 96 and 131 of the Securities Act 2015 and clause 5.6.1(a) of the code of corporate governance contained in the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) Rule Book. This partnership positions Ferozsons as one of six global entities selected by Gilead Sciences to manufacture a high-quality generic version of lenacapavir. Lenacapavir is currently approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of heavily treatment-experienced adults with multi-drug resistant HIV and is under consideration for prevention use.
The licensed agreement covers the manufacture and sale of lenacapavir in both injectable and oral tablet forms, aimed at improving treatment and prevention strategies for HIV in 120 low and lower-middle income countries. According to information available from the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), Ferozsons or its affiliates are authorized, under this non-exclusive license, to produce and market the drug pending the necessary regulatory approvals. Additionally, the agreement includes a technology transfer from Gilead Sciences to Ferozsons to aid in establishing production capabilities at their facilities.
The injectable form of lenacapavir will be produced at BF Biosciences Limited, a joint venture subsidiary of Ferozsons, which features a 309 mg/mL dosage in a vial kit configuration. Meanwhile, the oral tablet, containing 300 mg of lenacapavir, will be manufactured at Ferozsons' Oral Solid Dosage (OSD) facility.
This partnership not only broadens the availability of HIV treatment options in critical regions but also showcases the proactive steps taken by both companies in addressing global health challenges through strategic collaborations and technological advancements.