Quality Chemicals to venture into flu drug manufacture
The deal builds on a voluntary licensing agreement signed between Roche and MPP in May 2026, allowing selected generic drug manufacturers to produce and distribute baloxavir marboxil in 129 low- and middle-income countries, including Uganda.
Qcil will independently handle product formulation, local manufacturing and regulatory filings.
KAMPALA - Pharmaceutical manufacturer Quality Chemical Industries Limited (Qcil) has announced plans to venture into manufacture of drugs for flu.
This is after the company signed a sublicence agreement with the UN-backed Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) to develop, manufacture and supply a generic version of baloxavir marboxil, an oral antiviral treatment for influenza.
The agreement was announced in New York during a side event at the United Nations General Assembly organised by the MPP with support from Swiss pharmaceutical firm Roche.
The deal builds on a voluntary licensing agreement signed between Roche and MPP in May 2026, allowing selected generic drug manufacturers to produce and distribute baloxavir marboxil in 129 low- and middle-income countries, including Uganda.
The initiative is intended to strengthen supply chains for seasonal influenza outbreaks and enhance preparedness for future pandemics.
Single-dose treatment
Baloxavir marboxil works by inhibiting the ability of influenza viruses to multiply early in the course of infection, according to online sources.
Clinical trial data published in the New England Journal of Medicine from the Phase III CENTERSTONE study showed that a single oral dose of baloxavir reduced the odds of transmitting influenza to household contacts by 32% compared with a placebo.
The drug also retains efficacy against influenza strains that have developed resistance to other antiviral treatments.
Under the sublicence agreement, Roche and MPP will provide generic manufacturers with foundational data packages, reference products for bioequivalence studies and regulatory waivers.
Qcil will independently handle product formulation, local manufacturing and regulatory filings.
Commercial distribution will begin after the generic product has been developed, meets the required quality standards and receives the necessary regulatory approvals.
Qcil also manufactures WHO-prequalified medicines for HIV and malaria.
The agreement marks the company's first major expansion into antiviral treatments for respiratory infections.
“Working with MPP, and with support from Roche under the voluntary licence, we will now begin the development work required for a quality-assured generic version. This partnership can widen access to treatment while strengthening manufacturing capacity in Africa and preparedness for future influenza outbreaks.”
The addition of generic baloxavir marboxil to regional production networks is expected to diversify pharmaceutical supply chains and reduce reliance on centralised manufacturing hubs during future global health emergencies.
Pharmaceutical society welcomes development
Stephen Lutoti, the general secretary of the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda, welcomed the development, saying it demonstrated growth in Uganda’s pharmaceutical sector.
“When we start venturing into biological products such as vaccines, it means well for us,” he said.
However, he called for greater investment in building the sector’s capacity
“As PSU, we welcome the move because we have experts who can participate. What we need is a research fund to support people who can take the initiative and start,” he said.
Lutoti also called for incentives, including tax relief and land, to facilitate the development of the necessary infrastructure.