China introduces new HIV drugs

China is to offer two new HIV treatments for patients who have developed resistance to cheaper alternatives.

Health officials in the country have revealed that anti-retroviral drugs TDF and Kaletra are to be imported and distributed to patients.

The drugs, although more expensive than domestically-produced treatments, will be available free of charge, the ministry of health (MOH) has said.

Hao Yang, deputy director of the department's disease control bureau, told the China Daily that 3TC will also be provided to HIV patients as part of the nationwide programme.

This will mean nine out of 20 Aids/HIV treatments will now be available in China.

The nationwide rollout follows a trial of second-line drugs in three provinces last year, with the scheme already showing positive results. Some 70 per cent of HIV patients who took one of the three new drugs have seen an improvement in six months.

Figures from China's MOH suggest that free anti-retroviral drugs have been prescribed to 58,000 Aids patients since 2003.

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