E-DRUG: First generic source for DR-TB drug linezolid eligible for procurement
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http://www.msfaccess.org/content/first-generic-source-dr-tb-drug-linezolid-eligible-procurement
The first affordable generic version of linezolid (600mg tablet), a drug
used to treat drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB), has been reviewed by the
Global Fund Expert Review Panel*, and is now eligible for procurement under
Global Fund grants to treat DR-TB. For parties interested in procuring the
Hetero product outside of the Global Fund mechanism, the Expert Review
Panel’s assessment provides an added level of quality assurance for the
product.
This is a significant development, as the high cost of the originator
product from Pfizer meant the drug remained out of reach for many DR-TB
patients across the developing world. For example, in South Africa, a
country with a high burden of drug-resistant tuberculosis, Pfizer’s
linezolid is available in the private sector at a price of US$81 per
tablet. This means that actors like MSF pay around $15,000 per patient for
six months of treatment in South Africa.
Indian generic company Hetero is now offering linezolid at $2.50 per tablet
ex works, which equates to approximately $450 for six months of treatment –
a reduction more than 90% from the Pfizer market price.
For more information on sources and prices for drug-resistant TB medicines,
please see Médecins Sans Fronteres 2012 report, DR-TB Drugs Under the
Microscope.
More information:
http://www.msfaccess.org/our-work/tuberculosis/article/1931
* The Global Fund's Expert Review Panel (ERP) is an independent technical
body composed of external technical experts, hosted by the WHO Department
of Essential Medicines and Pharmaceutical Policies. Their purpose is to
review the potential quality risk of using antiretroviral, anti-TB and
antimalarial products which are not yet WHO-prequalified or authorised by a
stringent regulatory authority, and to give advice to the Global Fund and
the Global Drug Facility whether procurement of such products can be
authorised.
Global Fund ERP Listing:
http://www.theglobalfund.org/documents/psm/PSM_ProductsTB_List_en/
Joanna Keenan
Press Officer
Médecins Sans Frontières - Access Campaign
P: +41 22 849 87 45
M: +41 79 203 13 02
E: joanna.keenan[at]geneva.msf.org