Another treatment for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has been launched in the market on Monday, November 26.
The three-in-one anti-retroviral (ARV) drug, which was named EmdoltenTM , was launched by Aspen Pharmacare, the largest drug company in Africa. Reuters report that the drug was first distributed in Africa since it has the highest rate of HIV incidents in the world.
The medicine, which will be used to counter drug resistance people with HIV often experience as the viruses in their body get used to their medication, is required to be taken orally once a day in the form of Dolutegravir, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate, and Lamivudine. Considered as the "first line ARV," the drug will be available in the market in 50mg, 300mg/300mg.
Stavros Nicolaou, Aspen Senior Executive, Strategic Trade, shared how the creation of this treatment gave everyone in the field excitement as it will surely help a lot of people suffering from the disease. He said, "EmdoltenTM enhances Aspen's HIV product offering in South Africa and has the potential to improve the lives of millions of South Africans presently on ARV treatment."
Aspen Pharmacare Company is one of the companies who pioneered in developing treatments for African people with HIV during the early 2000s. That was the time where HIV was at its peak, people who have it were mostly in denial, and insufficient information about the disease was a huge problem.
Aside from the recent EmdoltenTM, the company also gained popularity by creating the first Dolutegravir and Dolutegravir-containing combinations about 18 months ago, which became one of the most useful medicine in treating HIV. With the creation of their new product, the group is looking forth for more innovative treatments in the coming years.
Nicolaou added, "Since the launch of Aspen Stavudine, our first generic ARV in August 2003, we have continued to be an anchor supplier of ARVs to both the South African public and private sectors." Furthermore, he shared how this created a breakthrough in the lives of people with HIV. With the success of the treatments they produced, people were provided with "the most advanced ARV treatment options" that they badly need to survive and live longer.
Producing enough treatments for people who are suffering from HIV and AIDS is one of the problems our global medical community is facing at present. Because of the fast-mutating virus living inside the patient, these people tend to experience resistance towards their existing medicines, which can worsen their health situation.
