Gilead Signs Deals With Indian Companies for Low-Cost Generic HIV Drug

American drug giant Gilead Sciences has announced that it has signed deals with three Indian pharmaceutical companies to manufacture low-cost generic versions of its HIV drug emtricitabine in developing countries.

Gilead said that it has signed deals with Ranbaxy Laboratories, Strides Arcolab and Mylan Inc to manufacture the drug in their Indian units and added that it will be providing funding and technology in order to reduce the manufacturing costs.

Announcing the deals, Gilead CEO John C Martin said, "On-going collaboration (with Indian companies) will be critical for furthering access to affordable, high-quality, first-line HIV treatment for developing countries."

Source: Medindia