UK's NHS Linked to African ARV Re-Export Fraud

According to reports in the UK media, purchasers for state-run healthcare provider the National Health Service (NHS) recently unwittingly acquired and distributed HIV/AIDS therapies destined for Sub-Saharan African countries. The incident highlights the apparently growing problem of illicit parallel exports of ARV drugs intended for low-cost consumption in pandemic areas.

The news follows a decision in February by UK drug major GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to alter the appearance of its Epivir (lamivudine) and Combivir (lamivudine and zidovudine) drugs due for export to African countries.

GSK's move was partly intended to combat copying, but should also alert purchasers to the origin and destination of its HIV/AIDS therapies. Nevertheless, as many ARVs can be acquired in Africa at prices 30 times lower than in developed markets, the basis for a lucrative and illegal re-export trade is likely to continue to exist.