Cipla Meets with UNAIDS, WHO, Doctors Without Borders to Discuss Drug Distribution Plan

Indian generic drug maker Cipla Ltd. met on Thursday in Geneva with representatives of WHO, UNAIDS, the European Commission and Doctors Without Borders to discuss the distribution of discounted AIDS drugs in developing countries, Reuters Health reports (Brown, Reuters Health, 3/23). The groups discussed "pre-qualification, registration requirements, supply logistics, technology transfer and validity of patents," according to a UNAIDS/WHO release. Officials from UNAIDS and WHO said that the development of an "overall framework" for fighting HIV/AIDS -- including strategies for prevention, care, treatment and health care systems development -- is a "priority." In addition, UNAIDS and WHO representatives noted that to ensure proper drug use and access to patients in need, "questions of financing and clinical feasibility" should be addressed. The information provided by Cipla will be analyzed to determine how the company's offers for discounted drugs can be integrated into the U.N.'s Accelerating Access Initiative. An analysis of the 34 suppliers of HIV-related drugs and diagnostic equipment that have offered discounts -- 29 of which are in the generic industry -- will be released later this year (UNAIDS/WHO release, 3/22).