Biolab & Co. is chosen by the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) to market a new antiviral for influenza

Brazilian group is among the pharmaceutical companies selected for the voluntary licensing agreement signed between MPP and Roche

Biolab & Co. was selected by the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) to offer the Brazilian market the antiviral baloxavir marboxil, from Roche, a new technology indicated for the treatment of influenza.

The announcement was made on September 24, at an event held alongside the United Nations General Assembly in New York, dedicated to preparing the global response to pandemics. The selection of Biolab & Co., along with other pharmaceutical companies, underwent a rigorous technical and regulatory evaluation process led by MPP, focused on expanding access to treatment in the 129 countries covered by the agreement, for which Biolab & Co. is authorized to produce and supply the drug.

The MPP is an international, non-profit public health organization supported by the UN, established in 2010. The model gained relevance during the Covid-19 pandemic, when it enabled the rapid expansion of antiviral production. Today, the MPP is considered by international organizations to be one of the most effective tools for anticipating access to treatments before a health emergency arises.

"This sublicense is aligned with our mission to develop and deliver therapeutic solutions that generate value for patients and physicians, and that reach those who truly need them," says Fabio Amorosino, President of the Biolab & Co Group. "Pandemics do not wait for negotiations to happen; they cannot wait for prolonged negotiations. Now we are ready, with a solid production base, to do our part in Brazil and the region."

Baloxavir marboxil is a single-dose oral antiviral recommended by the World Health Organization for the treatment of influenza, including prophylaxis after exposure to the virus. The intended use scope in the agreement covers any indication approved by the FDA (USA) or the EMA (Europe).

Starting with the sub-licence, Biolab & Co. will, through Biolab Farma, one of the six companies in the group, begin the process of developing and registering the product in Brazil.