MSF Calls for Replication and Expansion of Successful Efforts to Reduce AIDS Drug Prices

MSF cited the UN vaccine and contraceptive programs as models of what can be done when
international organisations, national governments, and the drug industry work together to
dramatically increase access to essential medical interventions in poor countries. These
efforts have created dramatic price differentials between developing countries and wealthier
nations: oral contraceptives cost US$0.14-0.23 per month through the UN and US$30 in
the United States.
When countries are barred from accessing low cost drugs due to the exclusive marketing
rights of the patent holder, international organizations should actively support the efforts of
developing countries to improve access through parallel imports, and voluntary and
compulsory licenses.
In addition, the report shows that justifications for high prices of originators' branded
products are overstated. Public investment in AIDS drugs has been significant: 5 out of 6 of
the antiretrovirals analysed in the study received public funding and the patents for drugs
(didanosine and stavudine) are held by public authorities.
"Differential pricing should not have a negative effect on research and development of new
treatments, especially when you consider that Africa currently only represents one percent of
the world-wide drug market," said Daniel Berman, coordinator of MSF's Access to
Essential Medicines Campaign. "Companies can survive and prosper if prices are lower in
poor countries. More importantly, millions of lives can be saved."
The report is available on the Internet at:
www.msf.org
www.accessmed-mnsf.org