Several major Big Pharma companies announced plans today to reduce prices for vaccines to be used in developing countries. The vaccines are distributed by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI) which was established by the Gates Foundation. Teh announcment precedes a meeting by GAVI's board as it plans to raise $3.7 billion in funding for the project.
Drugmakers To Cut Vaccine Prices For Poor Countries // Pharmalot.
Price cuts are being offered by GSK for its Rotarix ratovirus vaccine, Merck's Rotateq rotavirus vaccine and Gardasil for HPV, and by Serum Insitute of India's and Panacea Biotec' pentavalent diptheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenza type b vaccines. Sanofi Pasteur's Shantha Biotechnics and J&J's Crucell will also reduce pricing of their pentavalent vaccines.
"I hope this will enable millions of children to receive vaccines," alliance chief executive, GSK's Andrew Witty. He also called for drug companies to "be in step with society" and to construct their goals around business models that address the world's urgent health needs.
Score 1 for world health.
Posted by Bruce Lehr June 6th 2011.
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