GSK to supply antiretroviral drugs to Russia at discounted price

GlaxoSmithKline has announced it would supply 90,000 packs of its antiretroviral drugs Combivir, Epivir and Ziagen to Russia at discounted prices by the end of 2006, the AFP/Yahoo! U.K and Ireland reports (AFP/Yahoo! U.K and Ireland, 9/15).

The company did not reveal how much the drugs would cost (AFX/Life Style Extra, 9/15). The antiretrovirals will be dispensed at hospital centers nationwide, the company said (Dow Jones, 9/15).

"Today's agreement will significantly increase access to HIV treatment in Russia," Andrew Witty, president of GSK's Pharmaceuticals Europe division, said, adding, "GSK has a long-standing commitment to improving access to its HIV medicines across the world and is delighted to continue this by playing a full part in supporting the efforts of the Russian government" (GSK release, 9/15).

The deal represents Russia's first direct federal purchase of antiretrovirals.

The move aims to help the Russian government achieve its target of treating 15,000 HIV-positive people by the end of 2006. Russia's goal for 2007 is to treat 30,000 HIV-positive people, according to Reuters U.K. (Reuters U.K., 9/15).