Seeking to widen access to hepatitis C treatments around the world, the Medicines Patent Pool and AbbVie (ABBV) signed a voluntary licensing deal in which the drug maker will allow a generic version of one of its medicines to be made and sold in dozens of countries. Yet the agreement is also being criticized for limiting availability compared with similar licensing arrangements that other companies have reached. Specifically, AbbVie has agreed to provide its Mavyret hepatitis C pill to 99 low- and middle-income countries and territories through royalty-free arrangements with generic drug manufacturers. The arrangements will be facilitated by MPP, which is a nonprofit backed by the United Nations that works with drug makers to widen access to medicines. Unlock this article by subscribing to STAT Plus and enjoy your first 30 days free! STAT Plus is STAT's premium subscription service for in-depth biotech, pharma, policy, and life science coverage and analysis. Our award-winning team covers news on Wall Street, policy developments in Washington, early science breakthroughs and clinical trial results, and health care disruption in Silicon Valley and beyond.
AbbVie and the Medicines Patent Pool have signed a voluntary licensing deal, enabling a generic version of the pharmaceutical company's Mavyret hepatitis C drug to be sold in poorer countries via royalty-free deals with generic drug makers. However, the arrangement has been criticised for having limited availability in comparison with similar licensing agreements.