HIV Medicine Prices In The Developing World

NZ Subsidiary Response To Parent Company Reduction In HIV Medicine Prices In The Developing World

Alister Brown, managing director of Merck Sharp & Dohme (NZ) Ltd said today:

¡§All of us here at Merck Sharp & Dohme in New Zealand have followed the unfolding story and debate regarding HIV medicine access and prices in the developing world.

¡§This decision by Merck to significantly reduce prices of our HIV medicines to help speed access in developing countries is a welcome development.

¡§We¡¦re pleased to see our parent company take a leadership role in addressing this major issue and we hope this initiative will be followed by other pharmaceutical companies with HIV products and other organisations involved in delivery and funding of treatment.

¡§Over recent years, Merck Sharp & Dohme New Zealand has played a role in the worldwide effort to develop new Merck HIV medicines. New Zealand clinicians and patients have taken part in the clinical trials to determine the safety and effectiveness of these medicines.

¡§Both HIV medicines which are the subject of today¡¦s announcement, CRIXIVAN„¥ and STOCRIN„¥, are available fully funded in New Zealand. CRIXIVAN has been funded since 1997 and we were pleased to work successfully with Pharmac late last year and reach agreement for STOCRIN to be fully funded here from 1 January 2001.¡¨

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