Aurobindo Pharma's Stock Surge Following Launch of HIV Drug for Children

Aurobindo Pharma, a leading global pharmaceutical manufacturer headquartered in Hyderabad, started the trading day with steady share prices as it announced plans to introduce a groundbreaking tablet for the treatment of HIV in low-to-middle-income countries. The tablet, named pLAD, is set to be launched under a voluntary license from Viv Healthcare and will feature a powerful combination of abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine. This potent blend is designed to not only reduce viral presence in the body but also enhance the immune system, effectively slowing down the progression of HIV to AIDS.
 

A Significant Step Towards Global Health

The introduction of pLAD is particularly significant for pediatric patients, as it is intended for children living with HIV, aged at least three months and weighing between 6kg to 25kg. Aurobindo Pharma's initiative aligns with the priorities outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO), which has designated pLAD as a priority treatment option for children living with HIV. Its generic approval holds the promise of ensuring affordable and accessible HIV medication to individuals in 123 countries, including India.

A Vision for Expanded Treatment Coverage

Expressing optimism about the potential impact, K Nithyananda Reddy, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Aurobindo Pharma, shared, "We are extremely glad that with this approval, more than a million children could benefit from this product, helping to increase the treatment coverage of children in 123 countries." The announcement follows Aurobindo Pharma's recent achievement of receiving approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for its Icatibant injection. This injection is aimed at addressing hereditary angioedema, a genetic condition characterized by swelling in various parts of the body.

Global Reach and Collaborative Efforts

Aurobindo Pharma, with a formidable presence in over 150 countries, remains dedicated to producing a wide spectrum of generic pharmaceuticals, branded specialty pharmaceuticals, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. The company's collaboration with ViiV Healthcare has enabled it to extend its reach, as it prepares to launch pLAD in 123 low and middle-income countries.

Awaiting Key Approvals

While the pLAD offering is currently under review by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), Aurobindo Pharma is anticipating approval to kickstart commercial production from its FDA-approved facility by the third quarter of FY24. ViiV Healthcare, established in 2009 as a specialized HIV pharmaceutical company by Pfizer and GSK, had submitted the pALD drug for USFDA approval in 2022.

Financial Performance and Market Momentum

As of the latest update, Aurobindo Pharma's shares were trading at ₹871.50 apiece, reflecting a minor dip of 0.22% on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) at 12:31 PM. Despite this short-term fluctuation, the company's stock has demonstrated a resilient performance, achieving an impressive gain of over 17% over the past month and a remarkable surge of more than 48% in the last year.