MSD to distribute HIV-treatment in developing countries

Merck, Sharp and Dohme (MSD) has announced that it is to distribute Atrilpa (efavirenz 600 mg/ emtricitabine 200 mg/ tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg), its once-daily single-tablet combination regiment, in developing countries.

The compound will be distributed at a not-for-profit price for the poorest countries and those hit hardest by HIV and Aids, with the firm filing registrations with the relevant health authorities in these nations.

MSD plans to make Atripla available in 67 countries at $50.40 (25.91 pounds) per pack, with a further 22 countries gaining access to the drug at the price of $84.90 per pack, with these countries decided on the basis of their low human development index category and their prevalence of HIV.

Richard T Clark, chief executive officer and president of MSD, said: “This new single-tablet regimen, which can simplify HIV treatment for people living with HIV infection, exemplifies our mission of putting patients first.”

He added that the firm had consistently been at the forefront of efforts to widen the access to pharmaceuticals worldwide, with the company looking forward to working with health authorities to help deliver Atripla to patients.

In October 2006, MSD, Gilead Sciences and Bristol-Mywers Squibb submitted an application for marketing authorisation for Atripla with the European Commission.