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Aspen Pharmacare receive voluntary license from Glaxosmithkline on anti-

Release Date: 08/10/2001 06:57
Code(s): APN
Wrap Text
retroviral patents in South Africa
Aspen Pharmacare Limited
Share code:     APN
ISIN code:      ZAE000023586

As part of its global commitment to improving access to safe and effective medicines in the developing world, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) have granted a voluntary license within South Africa to Aspen Pharmacare on GSK's
anti-retroviral patents over zidovudine (Retrovir-AZT) and the zidovudine and lamivudine combination (Combivir). These products are currently the most extensively used anti-retrovirals in the South African market. Material terms to the agreement include: * local manufacture by Aspen Pharmacare;
* a limitation on distribution to include only the South African public sector (government), non- governmental organisations and other charitable non-profit making organisations accredited by the World Health Organisation; and
* a 30% fee on net sales to be paid to an NGO, or NGOs, that manage programmes related to HIV/AIDS in South Africa.
The NGO(s) chosen will utilise the funds generated for programmes to address the challenge of HIV/AIDS in South Africa. Such programmes could embrace education and awareness, training, infrastructure development and treatment. "GlaxoSmithKline is committed to playing a full and responsible part in the search for sustainable approaches to the healthcare challenges of the developing world," said Howard Pien, President, Pharmaceuticals
International at GlaxoSmithKline. "As South Africa's largest generic company and the largest supplier of medicines to the public sector in South Africa, Aspen Pharmacare is a natural partner for us in this endeavour." "Through this partnership, we seek to make a meaningful contribution to the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa," Pien continued. "We hope the licensing agreement will also support the local manufacturing base in the country. GSK also wishes to acknowledge the important contribution made by Shire, who have waived their rights to royalty payments on these products."
Stephen Saad, Group CEO of Aspen Pharmacare said: "We are privileged to have received these voluntary licenses from GSK through which we will now be able to offer to government more affordable anti-retrovirals for the greater South African population. This, together with the licenses received from Bristol-Myers Squibb (didanosine and stavudine) gives Aspen Pharmacare a broad spectrum of the more important anti-retrovirals. We are committed to providing South Africa with cost-effective anti-retrovirals."
"The fee we are paying to the NGOs - together with the discounted
anti-retrovirals shortly to be available from Aspen Pharmacare - can be utilized by government to assist in finding a total healthcare solution for HIV/AIDS in this country." Saad said. "Access to medicines is a complex challenge and, although cheaper anti-retrovirals are important, there are many other aspects that have to be addressed urgently, such as distribution infrastructure and compliance. As a South African company, we are proud to partner with GlaxoSmithKline at the forefront of this initiative." DURBAN 8 OCTOBER 2001

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