Comprehensive Medical Services India (CMSI) has produced two Anti-retrovirals which can be used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. The two drugs Nevirapine and Zidovudine is produced by CMSI in its manufacturing unit in Chennai, India. These two drugs were officially released by Sebastian Ouseperamppil, Director-general, Catholic Health Association. A new microbiology department which could maintain the quality control and Research facilities was dedicated to this manufacturing unit.
The two drugs, Nevirapine and Zidovudine, manufactured by the Essential Drug project of the CMSI, are now available at “reasonable” rates. The organization will soon make available the other components of the ARV tri-drug therapy: Lamivudine, Efaravenz and Combinations of Lamivudine, Stavudine and Nevirapine in various strengths, said CMSI executive trustee-director Moses P. Manohar. Jane Masiga, from the Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies, Nairobi, Kenya, received the first consignment of Zidovudine capsules from Bimal Charles, Epidemiologist, Center for Disease Control.Dr. Charles of Center for Disease Control said that the company should maintain the quality of the drugs without compromising on the cost of the drug by maintaining strict quality control measures. He said that the AIDS drugs which was very expensive and is less affordable by economically weaker section has become cheaper and could be affordably brought by the patients.
