Fidson Healthcare has secured a major role in global efforts to strengthen access to influenza treatment.
The Nigerian drugmaker was selected among 11 manufacturers to develop and produce a generic version of Roche’s baloxavir marboxil.
Fidson Healthcare baloxavir deal follows a voluntary licensing agreement between Roche and the Medicines Patent Pool.
The Medicines Patent Pool is a United Nations-backed public health organisation; the selected manufacturers are based across nine countries.
These countries include Nigeria, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Uganda, Ukraine, and Vietnam.
Under the agreement, Fidson can manufacture and supply generic baloxavir in 129 countries.
However, regulatory approval must come first, the manufacturers will receive technical information and reference products.
This support will help them develop and test their versions of the influenza medicine.
The selection followed an open process that assessed technical ability, regulatory capacity, and commitment to quality.
Charles Gore, Executive Director of the Medicines Patent Pool, explained the importance of the arrangement.
“We are now moving into implementation with manufacturers across multiple regions. This is exactly the kind of work that needs to happen before, rather than during, a health emergency.”
He added that the programme could strengthen the global medicine supply.
“By combining global manufacturing capacity with regionally focused production, we are helping build a more geographically diverse and resilient supply base for the future.”
Fidson CEO Biola Adebayo also described the selection as an important achievement.
He called it “both an honour and a validation” of the company’s commitment to quality-assured manufacturing.
Adebayo added, “As an African healthcare company, we are proud to contribute to global efforts aimed at strengthening regional health security.”
The Fidson Healthcare baloxavir deal also highlights the company’s long journey in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry.
Fidelis Ayebae founded Fidson in 1995 as a pharmaceutical distributor; the company later moved into local drug manufacturing.
In 2005, Fidson became the first Nigerian and sub-Saharan African company to manufacture antiretroviral drugs locally.
The new licence could give Fidson an opportunity to expand its role beyond Nigeria; it could also support wider efforts to prepare for future influenza health emergencies.
However, the company must complete development and obtain the required regulatory approvals before selling the generic medicine.
