Aspen manufactures Africa"s first generic ARVs

Aspen manufactures Africa"s first generic ARVs                                  
ASPEN PHARMACARE HOLDINGS LIMITED                                               
(Registration number 1985/00293/06)                                             
Share code:  APN                                                                
ISIN: ZAE000023586                                                              
Aspen manufactures Africa"s first generic ARVs                                  
Pretoria - Aspen Pharmacare, Southern Africa"s largest generics manufacturer and
JSE Securities Exchange listed pharmaceutical company, has announced the launch 
of Aspen-Stavudine - the first generic antiretroviral (ARV) drug developed and  
manufactured in Africa.                                                         
Stephen Saad, Aspen Pharmacare Group Chief Executive Officer said "Aspen-       
Stavudine is the first locally developed and manufactured generic ARV which     
presents a solution to what is largely an African problem. This initial ARV     
demonstrates Aspen"s commitment to healthcare in Southern African and underlines
the scientific and manufacturing capabilities that exist within the country at  
Aspen"s Port Elizabeth based facilities."                                       
"Aspen-Stavudine fulfils the critical initial step in the company"s approach    
toward providing quality, affordable generic ARVs for millions of HIV/Aids      
sufferers. The product will form one element of a multi-faceted solution to     
containing the pandemic, the others including inter alia, appropriate nutrition,
education, prophylaxis and other measures undertaken in government"s integrated 
HIV/Aids strategy."                                                             
Aspen will sell Stavudine within the range recommended by the World Health      
Organisation (WHO), with Aspen"s pricing being competitive with major Asian     
suppliers reported on by the WHO.  Aspen"s pricing structure against the        
originator is detailed in the table below:                                      
          Aspen-         Zerit     % Savings                                    
Stavudine                                                             
20mg 60"s R24.00         R40.54    41%                                          
30mg 60"s R29.00         R40.54    28%                                          
40mg 60"s R33.60         R40.54    17%                                          
Aspen Two Last                                                                  
Saad said Aspen"s pipeline of ARV"s should be bolstered shortly by the addition 
of generics for Didanosine, Combivir, AZT, 3TC and Nevirapine which have been   
submitted to the Medicine Control Council (MCC) for registration. Once          
registered, Aspen anticipates selling a cocktail therapy of ARV"s at below $1   
per day. These additional licenses were made available to Aspen through license 
agreements with Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS), GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Boehringer
Ingelheim (BI).  As a result of these licenses, Aspen infringes no patents and  
has complied with all WTO rules and the GATT, GATS and TRIPS agreements.        
"Aspen is proud that its scientists have developed these products in-house to   
meet to stringent regulatory requirements set by the Medicines Control Council  
(MCC). This includes bio-studies which results have shown Aspen generics to be  
consistent with the original product.  The short duration of the development    
time, together with Aspen"s manufacturing capability, offer hope to the         
healthcare industry.  Further, Aspen is presently in the process of enhancing   
its manufacturing facilities with the addition of a new multi-million rand oral 
solid dosage facility to service both domestic and offshore markets."           
"Aspen"s commitment to SA is demonstrated by our increased expenditure on local 
manufacture, development and the delivery of quality, affordable generic        
alternatives, including attention to Malaria, TB and HIV/Aids.  We remain of the
firm conviction that initiatives such as these and our substantial investment in
our new extended manufacturing facility, at a time where there has been a       
substantial rationalisation and withdrawal of Pharmaceutical manufacture from   
South Africa, will provide a Pharmaceutical sector contribution, towards the    
stated national economic objectives of growth, development, poverty reduction   
and enhanced employment".                                                       
Aspen is committed to playing a meaningful role in supporting government in its 
fight against HIV/Aids and pledges its ongoing commitment to South African"s    
future.                                                                         
Issued by:          Shauneen Beukes, Shauneen Beukes Communications             
                    Tel & Fax: (012) 661 8467                                   
                    Cell: 082 389 8900                                          
On Behalf Of:       Stephen Saad, Aspen Pharmacare Group CEO                    
                    Tel: (031) 268 9506 : Fax: (031) 208 0170                   
                    Cell:  083 303 4833                                         
                    Linda Philip, Aspen Pharmacare Group COO                    
Tel: (011) 239 6110 : Fax: (011) 239 6139                   

                    Cell: 082 555 5579                                          
Date: 06/08/2003 02:00:11 PM Supplied by www.sharenet.co.za                     
Produced by the JSE SENS Department