HIV/AIDS

• A first-in-class medicine intended to prevent HIV from breaking through the cell membrane.
• A cell therapy that modifies a patient’s own cells in an attempt to make them resistant to HIV.

According to the United Nations Aids Agency (UNAIDS), as of June 2015, 15.8 million people were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) worldwide, covering about 40% of people living with HIV. As a result of recent advances in access to antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), HIV-positive people now live longer and healthier lives. New HIV infections have fallen by 35% since 2000.

HIV/AIDS presents social as well as medical challenges, when looking to ensure everyone who needs treatment will come forward and properly adhere to ART. Guaranteeing the changes in behavior that can protect people from infection requires continued political commitment and the contribution of stakeholders from a range of different sectors.

Programs to scale up HIV prevention, treatment, and care, as well as to provide support to the communities and loved ones of people living with HIV, are necessary to achieve the vision of a world without AIDS.

IFPMA members support a variety of initiatives to halt the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. Education and awareness raising to prevent transmission of HIV and reduce stigma against people living with the disease include partnerships such as ViiV Healthcare’s Positive Action, with grassroots action to empower people living with HIV/AIDS, as well as BMS’ Secure the Future, funding projects in sub-Saharan Africa to end transmission of this disease.

In cooperation with generics manufacturers or groups such as Medicines Patent Pool, IFPMA companies have licensing agreements for expanded access to treatment in low-income countries. Other partnerships to increase access to care for people with AIDS and others impacted by the disease include AmpliCare, for early diagnosis of babies at risk of HIV, and MSD’s C-MAP, to support the Chinese National HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Action Plan.