Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - September 24, 2007
A panel chaired by secretary-general Sa-nguan Nittayarumphong will recommend the ministry approach the two drug companies concerned with an ultimatum - negotiate a price reduction or face compulsory licensing.
The four cancer drugs are imatinib, docetaxel, erlotinib and letrozole. They have been selected from 10 groups of expensive medications, including antibiotics and diabetes drugs.
The drugs are used to treat various types of tumours, including breast and lung cancer - a predominant cause of death in Thailand, Dr Sa-nguan said.
Several thousand cancer patients were already being treated under the universal health care scheme, formerly known as the 30-baht scheme, which covers 48 million people.
The health office wants cancer treatment to be more accessible to patients.
"We could get a low-priced version of letrozole which is 40 times cheaper than the patented drug," said Dr Sa-nguan.
Letrozole is a hormonal therapy marketed as Femara.
If the ministry agreed with the proposal, a negotiating team led by the Food and Drug Administration secretary-general would discuss prices with the drug companies.
He said the ministry should first opt for "voluntary licensing" to avoid complaints of unfair treatment from drug companies. If negotiation fails, then compulsory licensing should follow.
Earlier this year the ministry announced a compulsory licensing policy for the Aids drugs Efavirenz and Kaletra, and heart drug Plavix.
Compulsory licensing is allowed by the World Trade Organisation in case of a "national emergency". This lets the ministry bypass drug patents and import or produce generic versions of patented drugs for non-commercial purposes.
070924
BP070904
Copyright © 2007 - The Bangkok Post. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Bangkok Post.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2007. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2007. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .