Strides Pharma Science Ltd.

New Delhi: Strides Pharma through its step-down wholly owned subsidiary has announced to market Incepta Pharmaceuticals WHO-prequalified contraceptive generic in Africa . The generic version, branded as ' Medogen SubQ ,' is equivalent to Pfizer’s subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SC), a three-month contraceptive that can be administered by healthcare workers or self-injected after appropriate training. Bangladesh-based Incepta Pharmaceuticals developed the therapy with support from the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) and the Gates Foundation . With this collaboration, Strides expands its Women’s Health franchise in Africa, augmenting its existing portfolio of strong brands like Vitafer, L-Gest, and many others. said Aditya Kumar , Executive Director, Business Development, Strides Pharma. “We are very excited to partner with Incepta to make available a version of this easy-to-use, long-acting reversible contraceptive, empowering women in the region to have greater control of their reproductive rights and choices,” he added. By Online Bureau ,

Mumbai: As Indian drugmakers enter global partnerships with public health bodies to develop a generic alternative to Gilead Sciences ’ HIV prevention drug , advocacy groups are urging that the India launch be prioritized to ensure easy patient access. Lenacapavir (Yeztugo), a long-acting antiretroviral medication for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), offers sustained protection and has been shown to prevent virus transmission by up to 99.9 per cent. The novel therapy binds the HIV-1 capsid protein to disrupt viral assembly, nuclear import, and the release of viral genetic material, effectively preventing the virus from replicating and spreading within the host. Compared to the once-daily pill Truvada--also marketed by Gilead--the new therapy is a twice-yearly injectable, reducing the daily pill burden and the need for frequent clinic visits. Outlining the four royalty-free voluntary licenses granted to Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Hetero , Emcure , and Viatris for distribution in 120 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)---Dr. Ishwar Gilada, President Emeritus of ASI, said, “HIV prevention must remain at the center of our national AIDS response, and when the Indian-made generic becomes available, regulators must ensure it is first rolled out in India.” Citing the Hepatitis C experience where Gilead’s $84,000 treatment was made available in India for less than $300 — Dr. Gilada emphasized, “India must lead from the front in ensuring equitable and timely global access to Lenacapavir.” Presently, the annual cost of the innovator’s brand stands at $28,000 per person (~Rs 24 lakh). However, two license holders, Dr. Reddy’s and Hetero have pledged to reduce the therapy’s annual cost to $40 (~Rs 3,500). For therapy development and production, Hetero has teamed up with the Gates Foundation , while Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (DRL) is supported by Unitaid, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), and Wits RHI. By Online Bureau ,

GENEVA: Generic versions of a groundbreaking injectable HIV-prevention drug will be available for $40 a year in over 100 countries starting in 2027, Unitaid and the Gates Foundation announced Wednesday. The two organizations have signed separate agreements with Indian pharmaceutical companies to produce cheaper generics of lenacapavir - a twice-yearly injection shown to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by more than 99.9% - for low- and middle-income countries. Currently marketed in the U.S. as Yeztugo by California-based Gilead Sciences , lenacapavir costs around $28,000 a year. Far cheaper generic versions are therefore "critical for scaling up HIV prevention," said Carmen Perez Casas, Unitaid's strategic lead for HIV. "Now, with this product, we can end HIV." In October 2024, Gilead signed licensing deals with six generic drugmakers to produce and sell the world's first long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in poorer countries. Unitaid said Wednesday that a partnership with Dr. Reddy's Laboratories , the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), and Wits RHI will provide the drug at $40 per person annually across 120 countries starting in 2027. "The product will initially be manufactured in India," Perez Casas said. "But we are also working toward regional production in the future." The Gates Foundation also announced a similar partnership with Indian pharmaceutical company Hetero .