Geneva 7 June 2010 UNITAID is deeply concerned that the provision of a key paediatric AIDS medicine produced by Bristol Myers Squibb will be interrupted in June 2010 until at least April 2011. The medicine, didanosine 25 mg and 50 mg, is supplied by UNITAID through the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) to between 4,000-7,000 infants in 40 countries. Interruption of treatment would seriously jeopardize these young children's survival.

UNITAID urges Bristol Myers Squibb to take all the necessary measures to ensure continued supply of quality, lifesaving didanosine 25 mg and 50 mg for the duration of its transition of its manufacturing site so as to avoid interruption of treatment for the children whose lives depend on it. UNITAID will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Contact: Daniela Bagozzi, UNITAID Communication, tel. +41 22 791 45 44; Mob. +41 79 475 54 90; Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Geneva, 11 June 2010 Addendum: UNITAID wishes to clarify that the generic Didanosine powder for solution approved in 2007 by the USFDA is difficult to use in resource limited settings. For example, it requires reconstitution by adding purified water to antacid to get a final concentration of 10mg/ml, following which refrigeration is required and shelf life guaranteed only for one month. For this reason, the didanosine 25mg chewable/dispersible tablet is more convenient in paediatric cases. UNITAID adopted a preference to the WHO pre-qualified Didanosine 25mg chewable/dispersible tablet and is working to expand and diversify the supply pipeline for this strategic product.