Gilead to boost HIV/hep B drug access via link with Medicine Patent Pool

The Medicines Patent Pool (which was set up in 2010 by UNITAID)revealed this morning that it has entered into its first collaboration with a drugmaker, USA-headquartered Gilead Sciences (Nasdaq: GILD), to improve access to HIV and hepatitis B treatment in developing countries.

The agreement allows for the production of the already marketed HIV medicines Viread (tenofovir), Emtriva (emtricitabine), and developmental products cobicistat and elvitegravir, as well as a combination of these products in a single pill known as the “Quad,” which is still in clinical development. The licence also allows for the development and manufacture of other combinations that include these medicines. Tenofovir is also licensed for use in hepatitis B.

“Today marks a milestone in managing patents for public health. The licence agreement with Gilead Sciences will help make medicines available at a lower-cost and in easier to use formulations without delays,” said Ellen ‘t Hoen, executive director of the Medicines Patent Pool, adding “In particular, the licensing of elvitegravir, cobicistat and the Quad while they are still in clinical development should significantly accelerate availability. People in developing countries often have to wait for years before they can access new health technologies. Today’s agreement changed that.”