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July 24, 2007

AIDS drug recall leaves poor nations without alternatives

According to a cover story in Monday's New York Times, the AIDS drug Viracept, by Roche Pharmaceuticals of Switzerland, was recalled in early June, dramatically disrupting treatment for thousands of patients in poor countries.

Batches of the medicine, distributed since March, have been found to contain ethyl mesylate, an "impurity" proven to cause cancer and, at lower levels, genetic mutations in animals—meaning children and fetuses are susceptible.

The article reports that while the United States, Canada, and Japan distribute versions of Viracept produced by another company, Pfizer, a host of other countries have no alternative to the recalled medicine. Global health officials have said Roche did not adequately inform patients about the risks of Viracept or access to replacement medication.

Some countries, like Panama, offer Viracept replacements for triple its price, while Venezuela has no alternative.

Since 2004, Viracept has been sold in 49 countries, the article reports. The recall affects approximately 45,000 patients, according to a Roche estimate.  (The Advocate)

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