KUCHING: Asean must work together to reduce the cost of next-generation antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for HIV patients in their respective countries, says Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
The Deputy Health Minister said regional cooperation was vital to procure these drugs at fair and affordable prices.
“The cost of ARV drugs is high due to their intellectual property, so we need to work together on regional procurement solutions.
“Buying in bulk through an Asean regional platform will facilitate easier access to these drugs,” he told reporters after opening the Asean regional dialogue on affordable ARV drugs and promoting community-based testing here yesterday.
Lukanisman also said Malaysia was working to reduce the cost of a new fixed-dose combination drug known as Tenofovir-Lamivudine-Dolutegravir (TLD).
“The current ARV costs about RM500 a year. TLD is a new medicine, which would cost over RM200 a month but we want to reduce it to at least RM100 per month.
“The cost is higher than the previous ARV but it’s more effective in treating patients,” he said.
