[Ip-health] Brazil says its near end of price negotiations with Abbott, Merck, and Gilead

[Mike Palmedo]

http://internacional.radiobras.gov.br/ingles/materia_i_2004.php?materia=3D2=
39076&q=3D1&editoria=3D

Negotiations on antiretroviral prices near an end

Cristina =CDndio do Brasil - Reporter Ag=EAncia Brasil
September 8,  2005

Rio - Minister of Health, Saraiva Felipe, says he expects to conclude
negotiations in a month with foreign pharmaceutical companies on the
prices of AIDS drugs, specifically Lopinavir/Ritonavir (Kaletra) made by
Abbott, Efavirenz made by Merck and Tenofovir made by Gilead.

"I am not talking about breaking any patents at this time because we are
in the middle of talks. However, if there is no flexibility on the
subject, we may reach that point," said the minister, pointing out that
the talks were now in their second year. The problem is that, for
example, one imported Kaletra pill costs US$1.17 in Brazil. If it was
made in Brazil it would cost US$0.41.

The minister added that the government's AIDS program assists 166,000
HIV-positive patients with 17 types of AIDS drugs, of which eight are
made in Brazil and nine are imported. The ministry is now spending 70%
of its budget on the drugs.

And the price of the drugs keeps rising. In 2004, Brazil spent US$266
million (R$621 million) on AIDS drugs. This year the cost will be US$429
million (R$1 billion).

Translator: Allen Bennett

09/09/2005
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