Thais to launch AIDS drug for children in 2005

Thailand will launch a children's version of its three-in-one generic antiretroviral pill next year to simplify treatment of HIV-infected youngsters, the state drug agency said Wednesday.

"The drug is in clinical trials now and we hope to complete that and make it available on the market by the middle of next year," Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) Managing Director Thongchai Thavichachart told reporters.

Thailand has produced some 40 million tablets of its GPO-VIR generic drug - which combines copies of stavudine, lamivudine, and nevirapine - since May 2002. The current dosage, however, is only suitable for those aged 10 years or over. Those aged below 10 have to either split the tablet or take powder or liquid formulations.

"For those kids living in the far north, doctors have to prescribe gallons of different liquid formulas to them, which make their lives even more difficult," Thongchai said.

"With this first ARV cocktail tablet for kids in Southeast Asia, HIV-infected children will be treated more effectively."

Thongchai said there were about 5,000 children in Thailand in need of antiretrovirals.

Medicins Sans Frontieres, a leading medical and humanitarian organization, has said treating children with HIV/AIDS in poor nations is an uphill battle because drugs and diagnostic tests have not been adapted for youngsters.

GPO planned to spend 500 million baht ($12 million) to boost the production capacity for GPO-VIR to 200 million tablets a year from 50 million now, which would help treat 250,000 HIV/AIDS cases per year from 100,000 cases currently, Thongchai said.

GPO is researching and manufacturing 23 antiretroviral products and plans to add two more - a saquinavir tablet and a concoction of AZT, 3TC, and nevirapine - by October. ($1=40.68 Baht)