The Thai government has said it is considering the offer by Abbott to supply the medicine to its country and other low income countries. The offer comes after a disagreement between Abbott and Thailand over the price of Kaletra. Thailand broke the patent on Kaletra earlier in the year, in order to provide cheaper versions of the drug to those who needed it.
Abbott said that Kaletra capsules remain available in Thailand and will be eligible for the new price.
Abbott will offer the governments of more than 40 low and low-middle income countries and NGOs a new price of $1,000 per patient per year. Abbott said this price is lower than any generic price available in the world for this medicine and is approximately 55% less than the average current price for these countries.
The company will immediately begin discussions with individual countries where its patents are respected to maximize the number of patients that can be provided Kaletra capsules and tablets at this new price.
Abbott said it was taking this action in order to increase affordability while preserving the system that enables the discovery of new medicines. Kaletra tablets will be registered in more than 150 countries at the completion of the registration process.