GlaxoSmithKline is a research-based pharmaceutical company that is working to “improve the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.” The “Positive Action for Children Fund” will grant up to $80 million over a ten-year period to NGOs and those who work to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS.
GSK will also contribute $16 million toward a public-private partnership for researching antiretroviral drugs. This fund will help find new beneficial fixed dose combinations for those suffering from HIV/AIDS. In addition, it will help lower the cost of treatment by entering into a voluntary license agreement with the South African abacavir manufacturer, Aspen Pharmacare Ltd.
Since 2001, GSK has agreed to 8 voluntary licenses for antiretroviral manufacturing in Africa. This allowed for more choices and greater security of supply of antiretroviral drugs within Africa, resulting in 279 million tablets of Epivir and Combivir provided to patients during this period. By continuing in this fashion with the development of the “Positive Action for Children Fund,” treatment will be made available to people with HIV/AIDS in the poorest nations.
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