Merck signs seven alimatravir licenses across 129 countries

• Merck signed seven royalty-free generic licenses covering alimatravir supply across 129 low- and middle-income countries.
• Merck shares were down 1.5% at $128.56 in premarket trading following the announcement.
• The company is supporting regional manufacturing and investing in supply before Phase 3 trials conclude.

Merck (NYSE:MRK) signed seven royalty-free generic licenses covering alimatravir access across 129 low- and middle-income countries, subject to approval.

The agreements were signed before Phase 3 enrollment finished, which Merck described as a first for an HIV-prevention candidate.

“Scientific innovation only has impact when it reaches those who need it most,” said Merck Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert M. Davis.

Licensees include Aspen, Qcil, UCL Kenya, Aurobindo, Cipla, Emcure and Viatris across public and private markets.

Merck said it will provide initial supply while generic producers prepare.

Following the announcement, Merck's share price was down 1.5% at $128.56 in premarket trading.

Alimatravir remains investigational, with Phase 3 trials evaluating once-monthly oral PrEP among populations in Africa and the Americas.

Merck said it is discussing Latin American supply with Fiocruz and investing early in manufacturing to reduce potential approval-to-access delays.