China Insists on HIV/AIDS Drug Self-Sufficiency

Chinese pharmaceutical industry sources have insisted that the country is now self-sufficient in antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Although the comments originate from within the state-owned sector, it can be assumed that Chinese ARV production has increased substantially in recent years. Meanwhile, the true rate of infection in the country is unknown.

The reports are likely to come as little surprise to the multinational sector, which has recently encountered stiff resistance from patent authorities in China, particularly in the case of the more essential medicines. Last year, UK drug major GlaxoSmithKline opted not to pursue a decision by the Chinese State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) invalidating a patent relating to its Avandia diabetes therapy. Further, US drug major Pfizer has already lost its patent on its blockbuster Viagra in China. The loss of a patent on a non-essential medicine is testament to the nature of the fast-growing local sector, characterised by a glut of basic drugs, lax regulation and widespread copying.