Abbott example on Aids drug ‘would be promising for the industry to follow’

The decision by Abbott to reduce the price charged in Brazil for an Aids treatment has been hailed by the government in that country as an example to be followed by the rest of the industry.

Abbott announced this week that it would reduce the price charged for Kaletra to Brazil by 29.5 per cent, Reuters reports, with the move part of the firm’s ongoing scheme to reduce the cost of essential drugs to the developing world.

Earlier this year, Brazil had elected to break the patent on an Aids treatment from Merck, Sharp and Dohme following failed discussions, with World Trade Organisation rules permitting the granting of compulsory licences for the acquisition of generic formulations of patented treatments regarded as vital to public health.

Jose Temporao told a press conference that the difference in the current case with Abbott was the willingness of the firm to reach an agreement with the government of Brazil.

“It would be very promising if Abbott’s example were to be followed by other laboratories,” Mr Temporaro told journalists at Reuters.

In May 2007, Abbott cited the expansion of its tiered-pricing system for Kaletra as an important part of its efforts to widen healthcare and be a good global corporate citizen.