ViiV Healthcare has expanded its voluntary licensing agreement with the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) to include the use of long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB LA) for the treatment of HIV, not just prevention. This extension will allow existing generic licensees for prevention - Aurobindo, Cipla and Viatris —to develop, manufacture, and supply generic CAB LA for treatment in 133 countries, subject to required regulatory approvals.

The move follows updated guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO), which now recommends long-acting CAB LA in combination with rilpivirine as a treatment option for people living with HIV.

The updated license covers use in adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kg and is applicable in all least-developed, low-income, lower-middle-income, and Sub-Saharan African countries, as well as nations where ViiV does not hold patent rights for cabotegravir.

Deborah Waterhouse, CEO at ViiV Healthcare said, “As leaders in long-acting innovation we’re proud to be expanding our voluntary licence with the MPP to now include treatment of HIV in addition to prevention.”

“Long-acting injectables have the potential to transform HIV treatment and we welcome the latest recommendations from WHO to expand treatment options. In line with our mission to ensure no one living with HIV is left behind, we’re committed to working with partners like MPP to continue to increase access and reach those most impacted by HIV.”

Charles Gore, Executive Director of MPP, welcomed the expanded agreement, calling CAB LA a “vital addition to the HIV treatment toolbox — especially for people facing adherence challenges with oral regimens.”

“Expanding access to long-acting options like this supports a more person-centred, choice- and needs-driven approach, which is exactly what an equitable and effective HIV response requires,” he added.

Gore noted that the organisation’s previous agreement with ViiV for dolutegravir has already enabled the supply of generic DTG-based HIV treatments in 129 countries, expressed hope that over time, a similar coverage can be achieved for CAB LA.

The WHO also praised the development, highlighting its alignment with their new treatment recommendations.

Dr. Meg Doherty, Director of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes at WHO, said, “This step is closely aligned with WHO’s new recommendation of long-acting injectable antiretrovirals as an alternative for people who are virologically suppressed but face adherence challenges with daily oral regimens.”

“It reflects our commitment to expanding access to innovative, person-centered treatment options that improve outcomes—particularly in underserved regions. This agreement aligns with our global goals to ensure equitable access to essential medicines and improve health outcomes for all. We are committed to supporting countries in implementing these new guidelines and ensuring that no one is left behind,” she added.

The original voluntary licensing agreement between MPP and ViiV for CAB LA focused on HIV prevention. With this latest update, ViiV will continue to support generic manufacturers with technical know-how to accelerate access to the long-acting treatment option.

ViiV Healthcare, majority-owned by GSK with Pfizer and Shionogi as shareholders, is a global specialist company, focused on delivering innovative new medicines for the care and treatment of people living with HIV.

The Medicines Patent Pool is a UN-backed public health organisation working to improve access to essential medicines and health technologies in low- and middle-income countries through voluntary licensing and strategic partnerships.