Launch of new ARV supplier
In South Africa, Mylan has launched a comprehensive portfolio of antiretroviral (ARV) products, initially consisting of 11 first- and second-line adult and paediatric regimens. Included are several innovative products, such as fixed-dose combinations, single blister "co-packs," heat-stable products and novel paediatric formulations that have been approved by the FDA and WHO.
South Africa has the world's largest HIV/AIDS population, with approximately 5.6 million people living with the disease and an estimated 1.7 million people receiving treatment.
Mylan CEO Heather Bresch commented, "The group's mission is to provide the world's 7 billion people with access to high quality medicine. Recently, it was awarded a 19% share of the ARV tender conducted by the South African government and we already have begun to deliver on this commitment. Building on this, today we are pleased to launch a broad and innovative ARV portfolio for the private sector. We believe that the group can set a new standard in the treatment of HIV/AIDS in South Africa by providing health care providers and those living with the disease access to high quality, affordable medicines."
Paul Miller, managing director and vice president of Mylan's South African business noted, "The group is an established leader in ARVs, with a global portfolio of 43 high quality ARVs and the company has played a significant role in reducing the cost of these important therapies. The launch of its ARV portfolio in South Africa builds on our existing commercial presence in the country and is consistent with the company's commitment to addressing unmet needs with quality products. The ARV medicines are produced according to current good manufacturing practices at facilities that have been inspected by leading regulatory authorities, including the South African Medicines Control Council, FDA and WHO. These quality standards are paramount everywhere that the group operates, including in South Africa."
The group has been a leading global player in the ARV arena for more than a decade. In 2002, Mylan Laboratories Limited (formerly Matrix Laboratories Limited) began providing reliable supplies of ARV active pharmaceutical ingredients to generic drug makers. In 2007, the company began offering finished dosage forms and launched a line of paediatric ARVs. Today, it is widely respected for the quality, dependability and affordability of its ARVs. It supplies ARVs to more than 120 countries around the world and nearly 40% of HIV/AIDS patients receiving treatment in developing countries depend on one of the company's ARV products.
