Boehringer Ingelheim provides millionth dose of Viramune in Malawi

Boehringer Ingelheim has supplied the millionth joint mother-child dose of Viramune (nevirapine) in Malawi, a drug used to prevent the transmission of HIV from mother-to-child during birth.

The dose was administered as part of the company’s Viramune donation programme which has been operational since October 2000 – a scheme established by the firm to supply single doses of Viramune used in conjunction with other drugs or by itself free of charge.

Boehringer Ingelheim stated its commitment to supplying the compound to patients in the developing world through both its donation programme and through preferential reduced prices for the drug when used as a chronic therapy in 143 countries worldwide.

Additionally, the company has given free non-assert declarations to firms prequalified by the World Health Organisation to facilitate the generic manufacturing of the compound for supply in the developing world.

Heidi Wieczorek-Zeul, minister for economic cooperation and development in Germany, said: “The Viramune donation programme is an excellent example of how the private sector can deliver active help in developing countries.

“We can defeat Aids only if all stakeholders – all members of society – contribute their share.”

She added that pharmaceutical companies have addressed the need to increase research and development investment and support local production of drugs to treat HIV and Aids.

In May 2007, Boehringer Ingelheim announced an alteration to its voluntary licensing policy for generic manufacturers of nevirapine in order to broaden access to the compound.