In May, UNAIDS urged five companies to say they’d cut the prices of anti-HIV drugs in poor countries. After many press releases (and even more free publicity), few additional details have been released. A brief look at the facts and possible pitfalls:
Boehringer-Ingelheim, Germany Price Tag: TBA Active Ingredients: Five years of free nevirapine, but only to prevent mom-to-babe transmission. Countries must ask for the drug and meet the World Bank’s definition of a developing nation in order to avoid any coloniastic overtones. Warning: But hey, it only covers mothers and kids using the drug, not other HIVers.
Bristol-Meyers Squibb, U.S. Price Tag: $100 mil over five years (started in 99) Active Ingredients: “Secure the Future” program targets women and children in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, and Swaziland; generally credited with setting a good example for other drug companies. Warning: Locals say that they want more community initiatives and lower drug prices, not phsician trainings and clinical trials.
Glaxo Wellcome, Great Britain Price Tag: TBA Active Ingredients: Price cuts for Combivir, from $16 to $2 per day in developing nations, and a free start-up supply of AZT for pregnant women. Warning: Activists say even $2 is more than the 40 cents it costs to make the drug generically. And once the initial cache of AZT is used, moms will have to pay, too.
Merck & Co., INC., US Price Tag: $50 mil Active Ingredients: The Gates Foundation will match the donation to improve medical infrastructure in Botswana. Crixivan and Sustiva will be offered free in 2001. Warning: We’re waiting to find out how many people will get the drugs.
Roche Labs, Switzerland Price Tag: TBA Active Ingredients: Countries to provide Fortovase, Ivirase, and Vireacept at a reduced (undisclosed) cost in some nations, say reps. Warning: No other details had been released at press time.
