April 5, 2006
Abbott Laboratories announced it has applied to register its heat-resistant Kaletra tablet with South Africa. The tablet can be taken at a lower dose, with or without food, and does not require refrigeration. Critics of the company, including Doctors Without Borders, have accused Abbott of being reluctant to register the new Kaletra formulation in developing countries, where a heat-resistant HIV drug would be ideal. The drug was approved in the United States in October, but is not yet approved in Europe -- an endorsement many African countries require before they will accept shipments. Abbott said it expects Kaletra's approval in Europe by midyear.