SOUTH AFRICA: Company granted license to make generic anti-AIDS medicine

US drugmaker Bristol-Myers Squibb has licensed a South African laboratory to make cheaper generic copies of two of its anti-AIDS medications for sale in sub-Saharan Africa, SAPA reported on Friday.

Robert Laverty, spokesperson for Bristol-Myers Squibb, was quoted as saying “we’re honouring the pledge made in March”. The licence to Aspen Pharmacare covers Bristol-Myers’ Videx and Zerit drugs and is valid for five years, although it can be extended, Laverty said. Bristol-Myers will not receive royalties from the deal.

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