Alex Ndegwa
27 August 2007
Nairobi — A new Aids pill for children has been approved and is expected to step up the paediatric HIV/Aids campaign.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this month cleared the three-in-one Aids pill for children less than 12 years of age, for use in a global US Aids relief programme that includes Kenya.
The generic pill made by India's Cipla Ltd combines the generic HIV-fighting drugs lamivudine, stavudine and nevirapine.
Kenya is one of the beneficiaries of the US programme that focuses on 15 countries, mostly in Africa. Under the programme, the country is this year receiving funding to the tune of US$368.1 million to support comprehensive HIV/Aids prevention, treatment and care programmes.
The programme also targets increased funding for paediatric formulations - such as the new medication - a move likely to benefit about 150,000 infected children under 15 years.
FDA's clearance of the drug comes barely two months after June's withdrawal from the market of Viracept, a second-line HIV and Aids drug for the treatment of infected adults and children.
It was found to be contaminated with cancer-causing by-products, leading to its recall. Kenya authorities seized packets of the banned drugs for destruction.
Experts said the new fixed-dose antiretroviral combination pill is a major advancement.
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