Abbott to Expand Production of AIDS Drug

Rather than license Aluvia, a form of Kaletra that does not need refrigeration, to generic drug makers in order to make a cheaper version available to poor nations, Abbott Laboratories announced it will increase its own production capacity to expand access. "We don't believe that the costs will be higher," said Abbott spokesperson Jennifer Smoter. In the 69 poorest countries, Abbott sells Aluvia for $500 a year, said Smoter. In 45 other low-income countries, including Thailand, the firm is cutting the price from $3,000-$6,000 to $2,200 a year, she said. "We would like to have the $500 price, too," said Nathan Ford, a Doctors Without Borders project staff member in Thailand. Aluvia manufacturing capacity will be expanded in Germany, said Abbott.

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