STELLAPHARM BROADENS COLLABORATION WITH MPP: SIGNS SUBLICENCE AGREEMENT TO PRODUCE GENERIC VERSION OF ROCHE’S ANTIVIRAL TREATMENT FOR INFLUENZA BALOXAVIR IN 129 LOW- AND MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES

Ho Chi Minh City and Geneva, 10 September 2026 – Stellapharm and Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) signed a sublicence agreement to develop, manufacture and supply a generic version of Roche’s baloxavir marboxil, a single-dose antiviral treatment recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for influenza. The agreement will allow Stellapharm to manufacture and supply baloxavir in 129 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), representing approximately 66% of the world’s population.

In May 2026, MPP and Roche entered into a voluntary licence agreement to expand access to baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza®) across 129 LMICs. The agreement is intended to support access to baloxavir for seasonal flu and contribute to broader pandemic preparedness and response efforts.

Roche, in collaboration with MPP, conducted a selection process to identify sublicensees capable of supporting the availability of baloxavir. The selection process considered a broad range of criteria, including development and manufacturing capabilities, geographical reach, financial capacity, social and environmental responsibility, and the ability to contribute to pandemic preparedness. 

Stellapharm is proud to have been selected as a sublicensee. Through the voluntary licensing agreement, Roche, together with MPP, will provide support to the selected sublicensee to facilitate the development, manufacturing and supply of baloxavir, while the sublicensee ensures compliance with stringent international quality standards.

Mr. Ong Van Dung, General Director of Stellapharm, said: “The lessons we have learned from the pandemic over the past several years have taught us something deeply important: when a health crisis strikes, access to essential medicines can mean the difference between hope and despair, between protecting a life and losing one. For Stellapharm, being part of this initiative is therefore about much more than manufacturing medicines. It is ultimately about people. Every life matters, and every person, regardless of where they live, deserves the chance to live a healthier life. We hope to contribute not only to pandemic preparedness today, but also to a more resilient and equitable future for all communities around the world.”

Stellapharm has previously partnered with MPP on the development, manufacture and supply of molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir and ensitrelvir fumaric acid for the treatment of COVID-19. The new baloxavir licence further reflects Stellapharm’s experience in supporting global public-health initiatives and its commitment to leveraging its manufacturing capabilities to contribute to broader access to essential medicines.

About MPP

The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) is a United Nations-backed public health organisation working to increase access to and facilitate the development of innovative medicines and other health technologies for low- and middle-income countries.  To date, MPP has signed agreements with 23 patent holders for 13 HIV antiretrovirals, one HIV technology platform, three hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals, a tuberculosis treatment, a cancer treatment, four long-acting technologies, a post-partum haemorrhage medicine, one antiviral treatment for influenza, three oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19 and 16 COVID-19 technologies.

Click here for more information about MPP

About Stellapharm

Stellapharm is a Vietnam-based pharmaceutical manufacturer focused on the development and manufacturing of generic medicines. With over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Stellapharm has served millions of people around the world by providing quality-assured and affordable medicines. From its humble beginnings in Vietnam, Stellapharm has grown into a strong regional manufacturing hub that meets internationally recognized standards and serves global markets. Through its growing international footprint, Stellapharm is committed to contributing to a more sustainable pharmaceutical supply chain and supporting equitable access to medicines.

About Baloxavir marboxil

Baloxavir marboxil is a single-dose oral antiviral treatment that stops influenza viruses from multiplying early in the infection, effectively reducing the duration of both the disease and its window of infectiousness. Baloxavir marboxil’s differentiated mechanism is proven to be effective against strains that are resistant to other classes of antiviral medicines, contributing to a more resilient and diversified defence against the evolving threat of influenza. Baloxavir marboxil is included in the WHO clinical practice guidelines for influenza.

Click here for more on MPP’s licence on Baloxavir marboxil and on the sublicence agreements