Pharmaceutical companies working on nearly 100 life-changing medicines for HIV/AIDS

Jan 8 2010

Medical News Today recently reported that America's pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies are working on nearly 100 life-changing medicines for diseases affecting people with HIV/AIDS, according to a new report released by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 1 million Americans are living with HIV. The number of deaths per year as a result of AIDS has significantly been reduced since anti-retroviral therapy was introduced in 1995. However, AIDS still remains an epidemic burden to developing nations where a startling 33 million people were said to be living with HIV. Patients in sub-Saharan Africa, China, India and the Russian Federation are among those most affected.

"We are greatly encouraged by these critically important medicines and vaccines in development to treat and prevent HIV infection," said PhRMA President and CEO Billy Tauzin. "Pharmaceutical researchers are continuing their efforts to develop new therapies and vaccines to improve and lengthen the lives of HIV-infected patients."

The report stated that the 97 products in development include 23 vaccines and 54 antivirals. These drugs are either in human clinical trials or awaiting approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

"While researchers are making exciting progress in the search for new treatments for HIV/AIDS, these efforts are wasted if the medicines that are developed don't get to the patients who need them," said PhRMA Senior Vice President Ken Johnson.

Many patients can receive assistance through the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA), a program sponsored by America's pharmaceutical research companies. PPA has helped more than 6 million patients access information on programs that provide prescription medicines for free or nearly free. Since its inception in 2005, the PPA bus tour has visited all 50 states and traveled to more than 3,000 cities.

SOURCE Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America