Roche provides more AIDS technology transfers to Africa

Roche has agreed two new technology transfers with local manufacturing companies in Africa as part of its AIDS Technology Transfer Initiative.

Addis Pharmaceutical Factory in Ethiopia and Varichem Pharmaceuticals in Zimbabwe will be provided free-of-charge with the technical expertise and guidance to manufacture generic HIV medicine, based upon the processes to produce saquinavir, Roche's 2nd line1 HIV medicine.

To date, Roche has technology transfer agreements with a total of five companies across Africa since its launch in January 2006.

Roche has received expressions of interest from a total of 32 manufacturers in 15 eligible countries, including Kenya, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Nigeria. The company is working with these individual applicants to assess production over the coming weeks.

Archibald Chimuka, director of Regulatory Affairs, Varichem Pharmaceuticals, Zimbabwe said: "For us the benefits go beyond the production of saquinavir, it improves our entire technical and quality systems. We are eager to work with Roche on this initiative which helps to meet the needs of our people suffering HIV, who simply otherwise would not have access to these badly needed medications."

William Burns, ceo of Roche Pharma, said, "These new agreements highlight the positive contribution that the Technology Transfer Initiative is making to help strengthen and expand local manufacturing capabilities for HIV medicines in Africa. Now entering its second year, the initiative reinforces Roche's commitment to find long-term, sustainable solutions to help increase access to healthcare in the world's poorest countries. With more African manufacturers now looking to scale-up production of essential medicines, the launch of this initiative in 2006 highlights Roche as an innovative leader in supporting sustainable solutions to deliver HIV healthcare where it is needed most."

Roche's dedicated team will work onsite at the manufacturing facilities in Ethiopia and Zimbabwe and from its headquarters in Switzerland to undertake the technology transfers. The companies will be able to produce saquinavir for supply throughout Ethiopia and Zimbabwe in addition to any country within sub-Saharan Africa or defined as Least Developed by the United Nations, encompassing 64% of all people living with HIV/AIDS globally.