Gilead To Make Antiretroviral Drug Truvada Available to 68 Developing Countries at Not-for-Profit Price
Gilead Sciences announced on Wednesday that it will offer its once-daily, fixed-dose combination antiretroviral drug Truvada through its Global Access Program to 68 developing countries at the not-for-profit price of 99 cents per patient, per day -- or $29.75 for a 30-day supply -- the AP/Forbes.com reports (AP/Forbes.com, 8/18). Earlier this month, FDA approved Truvada, which combines the company's antiretroviral drugs Viread and Emtriva. HIV/AIDS patients generally take three or more different medications at the same time (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 8/3). Gilead will make the drug available to all African nations and 15 other countries classified by the United Nations as "least developed," according to the AP/Forbes.com. Gilead also will offer Truvada under its Advancing Access Program to people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States who are unable to afford or obtain reimbursement for the drug (AP/Forbes.com, 8/18). "We believe that Truvada represents an important treatment option for physicians and patients around the world," Gilead President and CEO John Martin said, adding, "Access to anti-HIV medication is key to our ability to combat this global disease. Gilead is pleased to add Truvada to these existing programs, and we will continue our efforts to ensure that Truvada is available as expeditiously as possible to those individuals who can benefit from its attributes" (Gilead release, 8/18).
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