Brazil Government to Make Two More ARV Generics

State-owned Brazilian drug manufacturer Far-Manguinhos is to take over production of two off-patent generic ARV drugs, Ritonavir and Saquinavir, from local drugmaker Cristalia. The move marks the latest development in the government's campaign to assume control over local production of HIV/AIDS therapies used in its BRL610mn (US$247.01mn) free treatment programme.

The scheme will now offer 10 state-manufactured drugs from a total of 15, making Far-Manguinhos, associated with state technology institute Fiocruz, responsible for the government's entire output. Further, officials have claimed that following the transfer of technology from Cristalia and other drugmakers, Brazil will be able to synthesise a new ARV within seven years. Authorities hope that any eventual novel protease inhibitor will have a lower toxicity level than existing therapies in this class.

Meanwhile, the government continues to negotiate with multinational pharmaceutical companies over the remaining drugs on the government treatment programme's list. US drugmakers Merck & Co, Gilead Sciences and Abbott Laboratories are currently awaiting the results of technical surveys and Health Ministry action on their patented HIV/AIDS therapies.