Roche Laments AIDS Drug Delivery

With AIDS drug prices slashed for the poorest countries, the problem now is how to get the vital medicine delivered to people with the disease, the head of Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche said Friday. "We're committed to playing a part in fighting AIDS and for that purpose we're supplying our drugs at no profit or free of charge, but I think people understand the issue is no longer price," said Roche Chief Executive Franz Humer. "We need infrastructure, training, political will and commitment."

Pharmaceutical companies, under fire for charging amounts beyond the reach of poor countries, have begun cutting prices. AIDS activists have accused the companies of blocking efforts by some countries to produce cheaper generic versions of the drugs. But the drug makers have warned that their research and development efforts on HIV/AIDS drugs could slow or stop if their patent rights are not protected.

Humer met Thursday with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and officials from six other drug companies for talks on improving access to AIDS drugs. Measures discussed included reducing drug prices, improving health services and encouraging private sector involvement, Humer said. In addition, "Major employers in afflicted countries should also allocate resources to promote prevention," said Humer, adding that the discussions also included encouraging partnership between local government groups, UN agencies and the pharmaceutical industry.

Back to other CDC news for October 8, 2001

Previous Updates