Nigeria: Nigerian Drugmaker Fidson Selected to Manufacture Generic Influenza Antiviral Under Global Licence

What the report says

Nigerian drugmaker Fidson Healthcare Plc has been selected to develop and manufacture a generic version of baloxavir marboxil, an influenza antiviral, under a voluntary licensing arrangement involving the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) and Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche. The announcement, reported by Premium Times and distributed by AllAfrica, was made on 4 October 2026. Fidson is among 11 manufacturers chosen across nine countries, including Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Uganda, Ukraine and Vietnam.

According to the report, the licence covers production of generic baloxavir for use in 129 countries, though sales would still depend on regulatory approval. The MPP, a United Nations-backed public health organisation, said the programme is intended to widen supply routes for influenza treatment, support local production and improve readiness for future outbreaks and pandemics. Selected manufacturers are also expected to receive technical data, reference products for bioequivalence studies and other support to help with development and approval.

Fidson said the selection reflects its focus on quality-assured pharmaceutical manufacturing and innovation. The company’s managing director, Biola Adebayo, said the partnership could strengthen regional health security and help ensure broader access to medicines. More broadly, the agreement fits into a growing push to build manufacturing capacity in multiple regions before a health emergency occurs, rather than during one.