Development and Cooperation


	Contributions from the Column Monitor Peacekeeping: No reason to fear of civilian-military cooperation BMZ budget increases USA approves Indian three-in-one AIDS pill D+C author under pressure in Togo Genetic modifications: Uganda: in search of pest-resistent bananas Liberia: timber embargo lifted UN budget released German government assesses crisis-prevention policy Gender-related violence: Good governance includes protection for women A single roof for GTZ and KfW Poor countries lack tax revenues 8-9/2006		USA approves Indian three-in-one AIDS pill For the first time, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an AIDS drug that combines three important active agents (lamivudine, zidovudine and nevirapine) in a single tablet. The combination drug is produced by Aurobindo, an Indian manufacturer of pharmaceutical generics. It may now be used under the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Aid agencies prefer three-in-one pills in the fight against AIDS because they simplify treatment. So far, only generic manufacturers produce such medicines. PEPFAR has repeatedly been criticised for not relying on combination drugs. Other initiatives such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria or the Clinton Foundation have been using them for a long time. The programme, initiated by US President George Bush in 2003, does not accept the World Health Organisation’s pharma recommendations but only those of the FDA. Up to the end of 2004, it only relied on brand-name drugs, which are more expensive than copycat generics. It was only due to increasing pressure by aid agencies and the US Congress that the administration finally opened PEPFAR to the considerably cheaper versions. According to a PEPFAR report to Congress, some 10 % of AIDS medication purchased with PEPFAR funds last year came from generic manufacturers; the figure had risen to 70% by April this year. The report claims that using generics will reduce treatment costs by up to 80%. (ell)