Fidson Healthcare Plc, a Nigerian pharmaceutical manufacturer, has been selected by the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) to develop and produce generic versions of Roche's baloxavir marboxil. This selection enables Fidson to potentially expand access to the influenza treatment across 129 eligible countries. The agreement covers nearly all low- and middle-income countries, subject to regulatory approval. Fidson is one of 11 manufacturers chosen under a voluntary licensing agreement between MPP and Roche.
The selected manufacturers include companies from Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Uganda, Ukraine, and Vietnam. These companies will work towards regulatory approval of quality-assured generic versions of the antiviral. Under the agreement, manufacturers will have access to a technical data package, reference products for bioequivalence studies, and other technical support. This support is intended to facilitate product development and regulatory approval.
The development follows the voluntary licence signed by MPP and Roche in May 2026. It marks the transition from the licensing agreement to the development and manufacturing phase. Charles Gore, executive director of the Medicines Patent Pool, said the implementation phase would allow manufacturers to begin work before another health emergency occurs. Gore emphasized the importance of this work happening before, rather than during, a health emergency.
The selection of both global and regional manufacturers aims to diversify supply pathways and bring production closer to the regions and populations that will need the medicine. For Nigeria, Fidson's selection gives the country a role in a global manufacturing network focused on influenza treatment and pandemic preparedness. This could potentially expand Fidson's participation in international health-product supply chains.
Biola Adebayo, managing director and CEO of Fidson Healthcare, said the selection validates the company's focus on quality-assured pharmaceutical manufacturing and innovation. Adebayo stated that Fidson is proud to contribute to global efforts aimed at strengthening regional health security and enhancing preparedness for future health emergencies. The company aims to ensure that life-saving medicines reach the patients who need them most.
The deal comes as governments, pharmaceutical companies, and international health organisations focus on lessons from recent health emergencies. These emergencies have highlighted the vulnerability of global medicine supply chains when demand rises sharply during outbreaks. Tamara Schudel, vice president and head of global policy at Roche, said the collaboration would help build diverse, resilient supply pathways to support faster responses to future health emergencies.
Aggrey Aluso, director for Africa at Resilience Action Network International, emphasized the importance of regional manufacturing capacity in ensuring that low- and middle-income countries have access to essential health products during future emergencies. Aluso stated that strengthening regional manufacturing and building diverse supply and access pathways now can help ensure that these countries are not left waiting for essential tools when the next health emergency occurs.
Key points
- Fidson Healthcare Plc selected by Medicines Patent Pool to develop generic versions of Roche's baloxavir marboxil.
- The agreement covers nearly all low- and middle-income countries, subject to regulatory approval.
- Fidson's selection aims to diversify supply pathways and bring production closer to the regions and populations that will need the medicine.
