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Nigerian pharmaceutical manufacturer, Fidson Healthcare Plc, has been selected by the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) as one of 11 manufacturers to develop and produce generic versions of baloxavir marboxil, an antiviral treatment for influenza.
The selection, announced in New York, places Fidson among manufacturers from nine countries; including Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Uganda, Ukraine and Vietnam, under a voluntary licensing agreement between MPP and Roche.
The agreement is aimed at expanding manufacturing capacity, diversifying supply chains and strengthening global preparedness for future influenza outbreaks and pandemics.
Under the licence, manufacturers will be able to develop, manufacture and supply generic baloxavir marboxil in 129 countries, covering nearly all low- and middle-income countries, subject to regulatory approval.
MPP said the manufacturers were selected following an open Expression of Interest process launched after the Roche-MPP licensing agreement was signed in May 2026.
Applicants were assessed on their technical and regulatory capabilities and commitment to producing quality-assured baloxavir.
Fidson joins four manufacturers with global operations; Laurus Labs and MSN in India, Desano and Guilin Pharma (Fosun) in China as well as regionally focused manufacturers in Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, Uganda, Ukraine and Vietnam.
The initiative was announced as global health leaders gathered at the United Nations General Assembly in New York to discuss pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.
Executive Director of MPP, Charles Gore, said the sublicensing marked a shift from agreement to implementation, stressing that pandemic preparedness must begin before emergencies occur.
He said MPP would work with the selected manufacturers on product development and regulatory approval to make quality-assured generic baloxavir available as quickly as possible.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidson Healthcare, Biola Adebayo, said the selection validated the company’s commitment to quality-assured pharmaceutical manufacturing and innovation.
Adebayo said Fidson was proud to contribute to efforts to strengthen regional health security and ensure access to essential medicines. He added that the partnership reinforced the growing role of African manufacturers in the global health ecosystem and would support broader access to baloxavir across eligible markets.
The licensing arrangement also provides manufacturers with technical data, reference products for bioequivalence studies and other support intended to facilitate regulatory approval and accelerate availability of the antiviral.
