Nigerian drug maker Fidson Healthcare Plc has been chosen as one of 11 manufacturers across nine countries to sign sublicence agreements with the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) for the development and manufacture of generic versions of baloxavir marboxil, an innovative antiviral treatment for influenza. This development places a Nigerian pharmaceutical manufacturer within a geographically diversified production network spanning Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Uganda, Ukraine, and Vietnam.
The sublicensing arrangement operates under the voluntary licensing agreement signed by MPP and Roche in May 2026. The initiative aims to translate that agreement into concrete product development, manufacturing, and future access. This comes as global leaders gather at the United Nations General Assembly in New York to deliberate on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Stakeholders are increasingly focused on establishing resilient supply systems before crises occur rather than scrambling for medicines after outbreaks have already begun.
The selected manufacturers include global players Laurus Labs and MSN in India, and Desano and Guilin Pharma (Fosun) in China, as well as regionally focused manufacturers Biolab & Co. in Brazil, Kimia Farma in Indonesia, Hovid in Malaysia, QCIL in Uganda, Lekhim in Ukraine, and Stellapharm in Vietnam. For patients in low- and middle-income countries, the significance of the arrangement lies in the effort to create more diversified routes for obtaining essential influenza treatment.
Under the voluntary licence, participating manufacturers can develop, manufacture, and supply generic baloxavir marboxil in 129 countries, covering nearly all low- and middle-income countries, subject to regulatory authorisation. The agreement also gives manufacturers access to a technical data package, reference products for bioequivalence studies, and other support designed to facilitate regulatory approval and accelerate availability.
Charles Gore, Executive Director of the Medicines Patent Pool, said the initiative marked the transition from agreement to implementation, with manufacturers expected to work towards product development and regulatory approval to make quality-assured generic baloxavir available as quickly as possible. Tamara Schudel, Vice President and Head of Global Policy at Roche, said the move from the initial agreement to actual sublicensing demonstrated the potential of voluntary partnerships to contribute to pandemic preparedness and enable faster responses.
Aggrey Aluso, Director for Africa, Resilience Action Network International, said pandemic preparedness required action before a crisis, stressing that stronger regional manufacturing and diversified supply pathways could help prevent low- and middle-income countries from being left waiting for essential health tools during future emergencies. Biola Adebayo, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidson Healthcare Plc, described the selection as recognition of the company’s commitment to quality-assured pharmaceutical manufacturing, innovation, and improved healthcare outcomes.
Fidson’s inclusion provides an opportunity for Nigeria's pharmaceutical manufacturing sector to participate more directly in an international health-security initiative focused on influenza treatment and future pandemic preparedness. The partnership reinforces the growing role of African manufacturers in the global health ecosystem and Fidson’s commitment to delivering quality-assured healthcare solutions. The central challenge will be turning manufacturing capacity into timely patient access—particularly in countries where health systems and populations remain vulnerable to disruptions during major outbreaks.
Key points
- Fidson Healthcare Plc selected among 11 manufacturers to produce generic baloxavir.
- The initiative aims to strengthen regional supply and pandemic preparedness in nine countries.
- The sublicence agreement enables manufacturers to develop, manufacture, and supply generic baloxavir marboxil in 129 countries.
