ViiV Healthcare has signed an agreement appointing Axmed as a non-exclusive distributor to support procurement and supply of its HIV medicines in more than 50 middle-income countries, subject to local regulatory requirements.
The partnership aims to provide a simpler route to access more choice in HIV care and strengthen national HIV responses. Most new HIV cases occur in low- and middle-income countries, where access challenges remain significant.
Axmed operates a technology-enabled business-to-business platform connecting healthcare procurers with suppliers to improve access to medicines. Through its digital tools, governments and healthcare institutions can lower procurement costs and streamline logistics, helping health systems reach more people with available resources. Middle-income countries often face distinct barriers and may not qualify for certain lower-income access mechanisms, underscoring the need for new models to expand access.
Deborah Waterhouse said: “This agreement underlines ViiV Healthcare’s leadership in the global HIV response and our deep understanding of the realities in middle-income countries.”
She added: “Shaped by listening closely to communities and governments, this announcement is an important step in supporting them to access more choice in HIV care, strengthen health systems and accelerate progress towards our shared goal of ending the HIV epidemic.”
Emmanuel Akpakwu said: “The promise of medical innovation is only fulfilled when it reaches the people who need it. Technology gives us an extraordinary opportunity to reimagine how that happens, connecting fragmented markets, unlocking more affordable procurement and streamlining access to vital medicines.”
He added: “Through this agreement with ViiV Healthcare, we are working towards a future where more people can benefit from advances in HIV care, regardless of where they live.”
Both organisations share a commitment to improving access in countries where health systems face challenges. As the number of people living with HIV continues to rise, the agreement supports ViiV Healthcare’s ambition to broaden access through partnerships, programmes and technologies.
