Merck has announced price cuts of AIDS medicines for developing countries that will eliminate any profit on drug sales there. However, even with this round of drastic cuts, the drugs will be much more expensive than most patients can afford in poor countries. The drugs may be within the means of aid agencies and the philanthropic organizations of more affluent countries, potentially opening the door to widespread treatment for HIV patients in Africa and other developing areas. Crixivan will be available for $600 per year, while Stocrin will cost $500 per year -- about 10 percent of the price paid in the United States and other rich countries -- as long as the nations promised not to re-export the medicines.

Other CDC News for March 12, 2001

South Africa May Cite Crisis to Lower Cost of AIDS Drugs Yale Pressed to Help Cut Drug Costs in Africa Merck & Co. Behind Cipla's Offer of Cheap AIDS Drugs: Potent Mix of Motives	Africa: Ivory Coast Makes Deal for Cheaper HIV Drugs AIDS Permeates Uganda Politics Too Public Health Spending Up in City, Town of Burlington; Sexually Transmitted Disease Cases Jumped 50 Percent From 1999 Russians Admit to 300,000 HIV Cases
Insulin Resistance in HIV Lipodystrophy Syndrome