Fidelis Ayebae's Fidson to Produce Generic Antiviral Drug

Fidson Healthcare Plc has been selected to develop and manufacture a generic version of Roche’s influenza antiviral drug, baloxavir marboxil, through a licensing arrangement backed by the Medicines Patent Pool. This selection places Fidson, founded by Fidelis Ayebae, among a small group of global manufacturers chosen for this program.

Ayebae's journey began with a Higher National Diploma in Civil Engineering in 1976 and an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Lagos, followed by years at Citibank before founding Fidson in 1995. Fidson became the first West African manufacturer of indigenous antiretroviral drugs for HIV and the first Nigerian pharmaceutical company to exceed N100 billion in revenue, reaching over N119 billion.

The company has established global partnerships, including collaborations with Japan’s Ohara Pharmaceutical Company and three Chinese consortiums for an HIV-focused manufacturing hub in the Lekki Free Trade Zone. Under the Roche arrangement, Fidson will receive technical information and materials for regulatory approval to make the drug available at a lower cost in eligible markets.