Roche - Access to ARVs

In 2002, Roche recognized that, as efforts to scale up the number of people on first-line therapy in resource-limited countries became successful and greater numbers of people received treatment, the need for second-line treatment options would also become increasingly important. In response, Roche committed to innovative, transparent policies to remove barriers to its second-line HIV protease inhibitor medicines in countries where resources are fewest and the need for treatment is greatest. Roche supplies its HIV protease inhibitors, Invirase and Viracept (including pediatric powder), at no profit prices for people living in Least Developed Countries (as defined by the United Nations) and in sub-Saharan Africa. These prices are the lowest at which these medicines can be provided in a sustained, long-term manner, and have been shown to be similar or less than that of generic versions of the medicine. In addition, Roche established significantly reduced pricing for Invirase and Viracept for low and lower middle income countries (as defined by the World Bank), where there is need for access to HIV/AIDS treatments, and where local governments are able to play a greater role and make a more significant contribution towards the provision of public healthcare. The reduced prices apply to 86% of all people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide.