A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Unitaid has commenced distribution of the generic version of the most advanced and effective antiretroviral drug known as Dolutegravir (DTG) in Kenya. The head of the Organization in West Africa, Robert Matiru stated that the choice of Kenya was informed by the worrisome spread of the virus in the country stressing over 25 million Kenyans currently have the disease and are battling for survival.
He described DTG as the most effective antiretroviral drug commonly used in developed countries. He further explained that the delay in introduction and distribution of the drug in Africa was primarily because of the cost.
“DTG is the most effective HIV treatment currently on the market. A box of 30 pills of DTG, which lasts a month, costs between $25 (21 euros) and $50. The generic version only costs $4”.
According to him, “the generic DTG has two advantages: on the one hand, it is very good from a pharmaceutical point of view. On the other hand, it is much cheaper. Unitaid, has worked to reduce the costs of medicines treating AIDS, tuberculosis or malaria” he added.
DTG is reported to be easier to take and requires only a pill daily. The drug does not have side effect and is likely not to develop resistance. DTG would be introduced in Nigeria and Uganda later this year.
The brand name version of DTG is Tivicay, produced by ViiV Healthcare, which is majority-owned by GlaxoSmithKline.
