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AIDS Groups Cite South Africa Sector Failings

May 2, 2005

AIDS activist groups have questioned South African generics maker Aspen's agreement with Gilead Sciences to manufacture the US-based drugmaker's Truvada and Viread. The claims allege that Aspen's move will allow the company simply to take over a part of Gilead's antiretrovirals (ARVs) market, rather than winning market share by offering lower prices on its own products.

Meanwhile, local drug regulator the Medicines Council Control (MCC) has refused calls from AIDS lobby group the Treatment Action Campaign to oppose controversial treatment schemes based on vitamin therapies. The group had threatened the MCC with legal action over its refusal to publicly rule on the efficacy of ARVs, and its failure to investigate vitamin supplier Dr. Rath's claims that its products were more effective than conventional therapies. The MCC has defended its stance, claiming that a comprehensive treatment approach is needed, and expressed unease at the debate's growing polarisation.