National Consultation on Access to Long-acting Antiretrovirals for HIV Prevention and Treatment in India, Pune

The national consultation was convened by National Coalition of People living with HIV in India (NCPI+), Third World Network (TWN) and TREAT Asia /amfAR at Hotel Sadanand Regency, Hinjewadi, Pune, India. The main objectives of the consultation were as follows:

• Demystify and build a shared understanding of long-acting antiretrovirals (LA-ARVs) and products for HIV prevention and treatment in the light of WHO guidance – both approved and in the pipeline
• Enhance understanding of the status and availability of Indian generic long-acting products, including what we know and what we do not yet know
• Identify legal and advocacy strategies to safeguard generic competition including direct interventions like patent opposition
• Understand the regulatory pathways relevant to India
• Centre community perspectives on choice, demand and delivery readiness
• Develop a collective national advocacy and access roadmap with clear next steps and responsibilities

Representatives of civil society organisations, WHO, policymakers, generic drug manufacturers, community representatives, clinicians and public health researchers discussed long-acting products for HIV prevention and treatment. Experts examined the emerging clinical landscape, Indian generic-development and regulatory pathways, patents and licensing, community perspectives, delivery preparedness, and strategies for ensuring affordable and equitable access for antiretrovirals for HIV Prevention and Treatment in India.