PRNewswire - December 31, 2002

AHF -- which provides medical care to uninsured AIDS patients from California to Uganda -- urged GSK head JP Garnier this year to drop AIDS drug prices low enough to afford treatment to millions who face death in impoverished nations.

"Because GSK is the world's largest player in HIV anti-viral drug production, affordable prices could save millions of lives," said AHF President Michael Weinstein. "Instead, GSK kept prices high while Garnier pursued an $8 million salary increase for himself. That raise alone could have treated 27,000 patients. For its exceptional corporate irresponsibility, GSK has earned the 'Heart of Stone.'"

Glaxo controls the largest share of the global market in HIV medications through exclusive licensing and patent protections on the key AIDS drugs AZT, abacavir, 3TC, and the combination formulations Combivir and Trizivir.

According to Terri Ford, AHF's director of advocacy, three developments over the last twelve months earned GSK the "Heart of Stone":

AIDS activists on two continents were forced to file lawsuits on GSK pricing: While South African activists took the pharmaceutical giant to administrative court over high prices, AHF filed suit in the U.S. challenging profits and patents on drugs manufactured by GSK, but invented by others.

"Its major drugs were invented at taxpayer expense in U.S. government and university labs," said Ford, "yet GSK prices them as if there were research costs to recoup. There is no morally compelling reason for them to have exclusive rights to drugs that can save millions of lives. GSK must free these drugs for generic manufacture immediately."

U.S. price increases created waiting lists on state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs for needy Americans with HIV/AIDS: "While the federal government increased funding for this aid program by $60 million, half of the new funds simply offset price increases by GSK and its cronies," said Ford. "As a result, in 2002 Americans with HIV/AIDS were forced onto waiting lists for life-saving medications in order to fatten GSK's wallet."

Garnier's pursuit of $8 million salary increase: While shareholders wisely refused the increase because of the company's miserable financial performance, Garnier's campaign to almost double his salary "reflects how badly GSK needs to find its moral compass," said Ford. "In Africa and beyond, entire families are infected and facing death. That raise alone would treat nine thousand families of three for a year."

AIDS Healthcare Foundation is the largest AIDS organization in the United States. AHF serves thousands of patients in California, New York and Florida regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. In addition, AHF currently operates two free AIDS treatment clinics in Africa: the Ithembalabantu (Zulu for "people's hope") Clinic in KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa and the Uganda Cares Healthcare Center in Masaka, Uganda.

SOURCE AIDS Healthcare Foundation

Web Site: http://www.aidshealth.org

021231
PR021249

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2002. 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, 2002. 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. .