Back

ViiV Healthcare Names Axmed as Distributor for HIV Medicines in Over 50 Countries

lite News Desk 2 min read

At a glance

  • ViiV Healthcare announced an agreement with Axmed on 12 October 2026.
  • Axmed appointed as non-exclusive distributor for HIV medicines.
  • The agreement covers more than 50 middle-income countries.

On 12 October 2026, ViiV Healthcare announced an agreement to appoint Axmed as a non-exclusive distributor for its HIV medicines in over 50 middle-income countries. This arrangement is subject to local regulatory requirements in each participating country.

The agreement enables local governments and healthcare institutions in these countries to procure ViiV Healthcare HIV medicines through Axmed. This step is intended to expand access to treatment options in regions classified as middle-income.

Axmed operates as a technology-enabled business-to-business platform, connecting healthcare buyers in low- and middle-income countries with pharmaceutical suppliers. The platform provides tools to reduce procurement costs and streamline logistics for medicine delivery.

According to ViiV Healthcare, the collaboration with Axmed is structured to support a broader range of choices in HIV care for participating countries. The company stated that this approach is designed to strengthen health systems and support efforts to address the HIV epidemic.

What the numbers show

  • The agreement was announced on 12 October 2026.
  • More than 50 middle-income countries are included.
  • Axmed serves as a non-exclusive distributor under the agreement.

Deborah Waterhouse, CEO of ViiV Healthcare, said the agreement demonstrates the company's role in the global HIV response. She stated that the partnership aims to provide countries with increased access to HIV care options and to help accelerate progress in combating the epidemic.

Emmanuel Akpakwu, CEO and Founder of Axmed, said technology can change how medical innovation reaches people. He stated that the platform can make procurement more affordable and improve access to essential medicines.

The announcement outlines that both companies will work within local regulations to ensure the supply of HIV medicines. The agreement does not grant exclusivity to Axmed, allowing other distribution arrangements in the covered countries.

ViiV Healthcare and Axmed have indicated that the new distribution arrangement is expected to facilitate procurement processes for healthcare providers. The companies stated that their collaboration is intended to support efficient delivery and access to HIV medicines in the targeted regions.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.

More from Health & Biotech

  1. A recent approval details Hovilpri's use for treating drug-resistant HSV lesions in immunocompromised adults, according to the regulator.

  2. A statement confirms the first imported Ebola case in Kenya on October 6, 2026. Meetings for public health staff were suspended, according to reports.

  3. New resources for patient-reported outcomes were added to the digital mental health collection on October 8, 2026, according to reports.

  4. The MHRA launched a Real-World Evidence guidance hub on October 9, 2026, to support regulatory decisions using real-world data, according to reports.

  5. The FDA approved Tukysa in combination with trastuzumab and pertuzumab for advanced HER2-positive breast cancer, according to Pfizer.