A drug manufacturer based in Kikuyu, Universal Corporation Limited (UCL), has secured a licensing agreement to produce alimatravir, a new once-monthly HIV prevention pill currently in Phase 3 clinical trials.

This development was announced at the 26th International AIDS Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The deal positions UCL alongside six other global manufacturers selected by pharmaceutical giant Merck to produce the experimental drug.

About Alimatravir

  • Designed as a single pill taken once monthly to prevent HIV infection.
  • Expected to provide protection starting within one hour after dosing.
  • Projected cost is approximately Sh645 ($5) for a full year’s supply of 12 pills.
  • Currently undergoing Phase 3 trials involving adolescent girls and young women in Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa.

Merck, known as MSD outside North America, emphasized its strategy to license manufacturers early to ensure rapid and broad access to the drug in low- and middle-income countries upon approval. The licensing covers sales in 129 countries where the majority of new HIV infections occur.

Significance for HIV Prevention in Africa

Alimatravir’s oral tablet form offers a convenient alternative to daily pills or injectable prevention methods, potentially allowing distribution through pharmacies, community programs, schools, and other accessible venues.

The inclusion of African manufacturers such as UCL, Aspen Pharmacare (South Africa), and Quality Chemical Industries Limited (Uganda) before trial completion is unprecedented, enabling them to prepare for production ahead of regulatory approval.

Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention director general Jean Kaseya welcomed the move, highlighting its role in advancing health sovereignty and expanding HIV prevention options on the continent.

Support and Outlook

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has invested $100 million in the ongoing trials and plans to contribute an additional $80 million to facilitate market access if the drug proves successful.

Kenya has recorded fluctuating uptake of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), with 170,551 people enrolled in 2022 but a decline to 35,704 in 2025. Alimatravir could address challenges such as stigma, affordability, and convenience that affect current prevention methods.

Merck CEO Robert Davis stated the company’s commitment to accelerating access to innovative HIV prevention tools to meet urgent public health needs.

Final trial results for alimatravir are expected by late 2027, with researchers optimistic about its potential impact based on its molecular similarity to highly effective HIV medicines.