Merck Reduces Cost Of Antiretroviral Efavirenz In Developing Countries

Merck this week announced it will reduce the price of its antiretroviral drug Efavirenz for developing countries and countries with an HIV prevalence of 1% or greater, the AP/Forbes reports. According to the AP/Forbes, Merck will lower the price of the 600-mg. dose of Efavirenz to 65 cents per patient daily, or about $237 per patient annually, for countries with low scores on the Human Development Index. The drug previously cost 76 cents daily. In addition, for countries with medium scores on the Human Development Index, the price of the drug was lowered from $1.91 daily to $1.80 daily, or about $657 annually (AP/Forbes, 2/14). This is the second time in less than a year that Merck has reduced the price of Efavirenz, Reuters UK reports (Reuters UK, 2/15). Merck in March 2006 reduced the price of the drug in developing countries by 20% (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 3/7/06).

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