Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association - December 10, 2003
"GSK has also agreed to entertain applications for a further two possible licences," it said in a statement.
The agreement came after an HIV-positive woman, Hazel Tau, complained to the Competition Commission that GSK and another pharmaceutical company, Boehringer Ingelheim, contravened the provisions on limiting practices in the Competition Act by abusing their dominant position in the manufacturing of ARVs.
The Treatment Action Campaign and the Aids Healthcare Foundation, an American organisation, supported Tau in her complaints.
GSK said that in 2001 it had granted a voluntary licence to the generic drug manufacturer Aspen Pharmacare for the manufacturing and sale of three ARVs -- Epivir (3TC), Retrovir (AZT) and Combivir -- to the public sector in South Africa.
"In October 2003, GSK extended this licence to include both the public and private sectors and all countries in the sub-Saharan region."
The second licence would be granted on terms substantially similar to those of the Aspen licence, the statement said.
The commission said it was still in discussions with Boehringer Ingelheim regarding a settlement agreement.
031210
SA031206
Copyright © 2003 - South African Press Association. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the South African Press Association, Cotswold House, Greenacres Office Park, Cnr. Victory & Rustenburg Roads, VICTORY PARK, PO BOX 7766, JOHANNESBURG, 2000; Fax No: +27 11 782-1587/8, Tel No: +27 11 782-1600.
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, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2003. 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, 2003. 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. .