E-DRUG: New Long-Term Agreements with first-line TB drug suppliers and improved pricing system (March 2008)
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From September through December 2007 the Global Drug Facility (GDF)
conducted a competitive selection process (see www.stoptb.org/gdf/assets/documents/2007tenderdoc.pdf ) among pre-qualified first-line drug manufacturers through its Procurement Agent, GTZ.
This competitive process is now complete, and GDF and GTZ are pleased to
announce that awards have been made to the suppliers. Four of them -
Svizera, Cadila, Strides and Lupin - were already serving as GDF
suppliers. One new supplier, Macleods, also was selected. This expansion
in the supplier pool indicates strong interest and competition among
manufacturers, and augurs well for favourable pricing and availability
of high quality anti-TB drugs
( www.stoptb.org/gdf/drugsupply/quality_sourcing_process.asp ).
GDF and GTZ have also introduced a new pricing system for first-line
drugs that provides firmer estimates of total costs. Through
consultation and cooperation with its agents, GDF is now able to list
prices ( www.stoptb.org/gdf/drugsupply/drugs_available.asp ) inclusive
of quality assurance (QA) and Procurement Agent (PA) costs - a
move that will aid clients in their budgeting and planning and lead to a
more efficient drug procurement process.
GDF is committed to providing affordable high-quality anti-tuberculosis
(TB) drugs to countries with a high TB burden and stimulating capacity
and competition in the production sector.
Please contact GDF at gdf@who.int for further information or visit the
GDF website at www.stoptb.org/gdf/
Robert H. Matiru
Manager
Global TB Drug Facility
Geneva
E-mail: matirur@who.int