PharmacoEconomics & Outcomes News 480 - 18 Jun 2005

Access to HIV/AIDS therapy widensdown under

Patients with HIV infections who live in New Zealandwill soon have greater access to the fixed combinationantiretroviral agent lopinavir/ritonavir [Kaletra], courtesyof the country’s drug funding agency Pharmac.1

The decision, due to take effect on 1 July this year, isexpected to see the number of people who receiveKaletra double immediately, and will cost an estimated$NZ1.2 million* over 5 years. In addition, the agency isalso extending the use of antiretrovirals to help preventmother-to-child transmission of HIV infections. Bothdecisions have been designed to bring treatment forpatients with HIV/AIDS into line with internationalguidelines, says to Pharmac’s chief executive WayneMcNee.

Pharmac has also decided to continue funding twobrandname versions of salbutamol, Salamol andVentolin, at the same level for the next 2 years.2

* New Zealand dollars

1. PHARMAC. Two steps forward for HIV treatment. Media Release : 12 Jun2005. Available from: URL: http://www.pharmac.govt.nz.

2. PHARMAC. Two salbutamol brands to remain funded -- Pharmac. MediaRelease : 8 Jun 2005. Available from: URL: http://www.pharmac.govt.nz.

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PharmacoEconomics & Outcomes News 18 Jun 2005 No. 4801173-5503/10/0480-0001/$14.95 Adis © 2010 Springer International Publishing AG. All rights reserved