Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1997. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
San Francisco Chronicle - The Voice of the West, 901 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94119 - Tuesday, July 1, 1997 - Page A18
The dispute centers on a drug known as 1592, which both activists and Glaxo said appears far more powerful and less toxic than AZT and 3TC, two HIV drugs also made by the London-based drug giant.
Activists said Glaxo has been slow to market 1592 to protect its $441 million in annual AZT sales -- a charge the company strongly denies.
"What I find repulsive is that as they're taking their time, people are dying," said supervisor Tom Ammiano, who authored a resolution that would put San Francisco on record in support of the boycott. "I lost my lover of 18 years to AIDS. . . . To drag your feet is inexcusable."
Glaxo spokeswoman Ramona Jones said there is "absolutely no truth" to the group's allegations.
"We don't have any data that this will have any effect in people in advanced stages of the disease," Jones said of 1592. "And there is a very limited amount of the drug available. There's just not enough to give it to everyone in that category."
Hemant K. Shaw, an independent securities analyst, said he could not see a benefit in withholding the drug. "I would think if they could put it on the market, they would," he said.
The drug 1592, known generically as abacavir, first was isolated nine years ago, Jones said, but wasn't tested rigorously until the end of 1995 because other compounds looked more promising. Since then, it has been tested clinically on 300 patients.
970701
SC970701
Copyright © 1997 - San Francisco Chronicle Press. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the San Francisco Chronicle, Permissions Desk, 901 Mission Street, San Franciso, CA 94103. You may also send a fax to (415) 495-3843, or an email message to chronperm@sfgate.com. http://www.sfgate.com.
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Always watch for outdated information.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 1997. 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, 1997. 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. .