The price of the 600mg formulation of Stocrin has been reduced by 20% to $0.76 per day (or $277.40 per patient per year) from $0.95 per day. The 200mg formulation of the drug has been reduced by 22% to $0.36 per capsule ($1.08 per day, and about $394.20 per patient per year) from $0.46 per capsule.
Merck said that it is lowering the price of these formulations due to new efficiencies and cost savings resulting from improved manufacturing processes.
“Merck has long been a leader in efforts to broaden access to our medicines for those who need them around the world,” said Merck CEO and president Richard Clark. “Today’s price reductions reflect our commitment to improving the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS throughout the developing world. We hope to be able to reduce the price of Stocrin again in the future as we continue to achieve efficiencies in our manufacturing processes.”