| Wed 6 Aug 2003, 14:06 | | 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
