GlaxoSmithKline Reformats Antiretrovirals to Curb Copying

UK-based drug major GlaxoSmithKline has altered the appearance of two of its HIV/AIDS treatments sold in African markets to prevent copying. The drugs, Epivir (lamivudine) and Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine), are sold at a discount in many Sub-Saharan African countries, and are now be dyed red, as opposed to their previous white colouring. Packaging has also been redesigned, and now features new bar codes.

Many antiretrovirals produced by the multinational sector are distributed in Africa at a cost up to 30 times below those on developed markets, although copying remains a significant problem. Further, it is hoped that the move will also help curb illicit re-exports of cheaper drugs from Africa to Western markets.