UNITAID statement on latest Medicines Patent Pool Agreement

Geneva, 11 October 2011 — UNITAID welcomes today's agreement between the Medicines Patent Pool and Aurobindo Pharma Limited, a key producer of generic medicines. The agreement will enable Aurobindo to manufacture products licensed to the Pool by Gilead Sciences in July.

The new agreement "will increase the number of manufacturers of new products to treat HIV infections,” said Denis Broun, UNITAID Executive Director. “Competition from generic producers has been one of the most powerful tools to reduce drug prices. This agreement shows that generic manufacturers believe in the Patent Pool, and this is good news for people living with HIV across the developing world who will be able to access affordable, quality medicines.”

UNITAID helped to establish the Medicines Patent Pool in 2010.

Read the agreement on the Medicines Patent Pool web site: http://www.medicinespatentpool.org/NEWS-ROOM/News-from-the-Pool/Generics-Join-the-Pool