Roche�s discounted pricing applicable to 85% of people in the world living with HIV/AIDS

8 June 2004, Basel � Today Roche announced further significant reductions in the prices of its HIV protease inhibitors, Invirase (saquinavir) and Viracept (nelfinavir), for people living in low and lower middle income countries[i][1], as classified by the World Bank. 

HIV continues to spread, with more than 15,000 new infections every day � 95% of which are in Least Developed, low and lower middle income countries.[ii][2]  Roche is introducing the new reduced prices, which represent a reduction of up to a third on the previous reduced prices, in recognition of a potential increased need for second-line therapies.  Global initiatives to increase access to first-line therapies have resulted in a growing number of people on initial HIV treatment.  The number of people in Africa, on treatment supplied by the companies in the Accelerating Access Initiative, doubled from 75,000 to 150,000 between June and December 2003.[iii][3]  As the number of people on first-line therapy increases, the need for future second-line treatment options may become increasingly important. 

William M. Burns, Head of Roche Pharmaceuticals, commented, �Until a cure for HIV/AIDS is discovered, research, prevention and treatment remain the key global priorities.  While our primary role in the global efforts to tackle HIV/AIDS is the discovery and development of new medicines, Roche is constantly reviewing its activities and is running a range of programmes on the ground for those living in the poorest countries.  Our action today demonstrates our long term commitment to these people living with HIV/AIDS.�  

To provide a treatment option for those failing on first-line therapies, Roche has further reduced the prices of Invirase (saquinavir) and Viracept.  Saquinavir is recommended as a second-line option within the Treatment Guidelines for Antiretroviral Therapy in resource-limited settings developed by the World Health Organization.[iv][4] The price changes are effective immediately and terms and conditions of supply remain unchanged (please see http://www.roche-hiv.com for details).

Summary of Roche�s further reduced prices of HIV protease inhibitors in low and lower middle income countries available for direct purchase from Roche Basel (prices applicable as of June 8 2004)

Eligibility criteria Invirase Price per pack (270 x  200mg capsules) /  CHF* Viracept Price per pack (270 x  250mg tablets) / CHF* Viracept Paediatric powder 144g /  CHF*  Low income countries and  lower middle income  countries 200 (new price) 300 - former price 200 (new price) 300 - former price 45 (new price) 55 former price

 * FCA Basel (Incoterms 2000)

These changes form part of Roche�s ongoing commitment to increase access to HIV healthcare and treatment.  In April 2004, Roche further reduced the no profit prices of Invirase and Viracept for people living in the Least Developed Countries1 of the world and sub-Saharan Africa.  The no profit prices - available to Least Developed Countries and sub-Saharan Africa � together with these further reduced prices for low and lower middle income countries, apply to an estimated 36 million people, representing as many as 85% of all people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide[v][5].

Roche�s commitment to increasing access to HIV healthcare globally

Roche is committed to increasing access to HIV healthcare globally through the development of healthcare solutions that are sustainable and have a long-term impact, particularly on the lives of those in the Least Developed Countries and sub-Saharan Africa.  Roche is a founding member of the Accelerating Access Initiative, which aims to provide sustainable access to HIV care and treatment in resource limited countries.  Roche is also a member of the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, the pre-eminent business organization leading the business fight against HIV/AIDS.  

Roche Patent Policy

• No patents for any of Roche medicines � across all disease areas � will be filed in the Least Developed Countries of the world, as defined by the UN.  
• Roche will not file patents on new or investigational HIV/AIDS medications in sub-Saharan Africa or in
• Least Developed Countries and will not act against infringement of patents Roche holds on HIV/AIDS drugs in these countries.

About Roche

Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is one of the world�s leading innovation-driven healthcare groups. Its core businesses are pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Roche is number one in the global diagnostics market and is the leading supplier of pharmaceuticals for cancer and a leader in virology and transplantation. As a supplier of products and services for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, the Group contributes on a broad range of fronts to improving people�s health and quality of life. Roche employs roughly 65,000 people in 150 countries. The Group has alliances and research and development agreements with numerous partners, including majority ownership interests in Genentech and Chugai.

All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are legally protected.

Notes to Editors:

A comprehensive list of prices, countries and conditions are available on the website www.roche-hiv.com.  The minimum order remains of 10,000 CHF.  The prices are ex-factory prices from Roche�s headquarters in Basel Switzerland. Under circumstances where Roche is requested to provide delivery, distribution costs as well as import taxes and duties must be added.  Local retail prices are therefore higher than these ex-Roche Basel prices. These prices are provided subject to the conditions that the drug will not be diverted or re-exported to other countries not qualifying for the specified price as defined on www.roche-hiv.com.

Additional information

www.roche-hiv.com

www.roche.com/home/sustain/sus_med.htm

Reference:

[1][1] UN list of Least Developed Countries can be found at www.unaids.org

World Bank list of low income and lower middle income countries can be found at www.worldbank.org

[vi][2] Global Forum for Health Research, HIV AIDS, www.globalforumhealth.org

[vii][3] AAI, March 2004.

[viii][4] WHO, 2003.  Scaling up antiretroviral therapy in resource-limited settings: Treatment guidelines for a public health approach

[ix][5] UNAIDS.  http://www.unaids.org/html/pub/Global-Reports/Barcelona/TableEstimatesEnd2001_en_xls.xls