Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association - September 6, 2005
The MCC would be tasked with establishing whether any of the South African medicine regulatory requirements had been breached and would recommend appropriate action to remedy the situation, said ministerial spokesperson Sibani Mngadi.
Tshabalala-Msimang ordered the probe after the Democratic Alliance charged on Tuesday that Virodene Pharmaceutical Holdings' website was claiming the drug was "safe and efficacious" in treating HIV/Aids, and approved by the MCC in July 1996.
"A glossy brochure on the site states that those interested in the drug can participate by 'securing the Exclusive Product Distribution' in their country and by 'assisting in the process of registration in your area of influence'," said DA health spokesperson Dianne Kohler-Barnard.
"The business address given is a post box in Pretoria, but the drug is clearly being marketed at an international audience," she said.
Initially punted as a major breakthrough in the search for a cure for HIV/Aids, Virodene was denied clinical trials by the MCC after a 22-month inquiry.
There was much controversy over an invitation to its developers -- who although unknown in the Aids field were favoured over established scientists -- to present their work to the Cabinet and request R3,7-million in state funding.
It was reported that two South African employees of Virodene Pharmaceutical Limited of South Africa were ordered to leave Tanzania in September 2001 over their alleged implication in clinical trials of Virodene PO 58.
They were arrested in 2000 for allegedly importing Virodene PO58 and four other drugs, PO 59, PO 60, PO 61 and PO 62, without official approval, raising fears that Tanzanians were being used as guinea pigs.
050906
SA050902
Copyright © 2005 - 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 2005. 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, 2005. 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. .