Gilead Sciences to expand access to HIV medicine in poor countries

Gilead Sciences is collaborating with a number of Indian partners to promote access to high-quality, low-cost generic versions of its HIV medicine emtricitabine in poorer nations.

The company is allying with Mylan Laboratories, Ranbaxy Laboratories and Strides Arcolab to create single-tablet regimens containing emtricitabine and fixed-dose combinations of emtricitabine co-formulated with other Gilead HIV medicines.

Under the terms of this arrangement, Gilead will provide a technology transfer for the manufacture of emtricitabine, plus funding to assist with process improvements to reduce overall manufacturing costs.

World Health Organization guidelines recommend emtricitabine as a preferred component of first and second-line HIV therapy, but its cost has proven a barrier to expanding access to the drug.

Dr John Martin, Gilead's chairman and chief executive officer, said: "India's pharmaceutical industry is a world leader in process chemistry and our ongoing collaboration will be critical for furthering access to affordable, high-quality, first-line HIV treatment for developing countries."

Last month, the company reported its financial results for the second quarter of 2012, during which it experienced a 13 percent year-on-year revenue increase.