Cipla’s New Triple Combination Antiretroviral Drug Approved

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has approved Cipla’s latest first-line triple-combination antiretroviral (ARV) treatment for HIV. The new combination medicine commonly referred to as TLD, is a combination of tenofovir (TDF), lamivudine (3TC) and dolutegravir (DTG). In future, TLD will be manufactured at Cipla’s facilities in Durban and Uganda, reinforcing Cipla’s commitment to produce medicines in Africa for Africa and ensuring more affordable treatment for patients. Head of Manufacturing for Cipla South Africa, Ajay Kumar Pal, said the reason for the new formulation complexity related to the three different processes required for the three active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). In addition to the considerable technology and infrastructure investment of more than R48m (including a machine worth R16m), there are also additional complexities pertaining to the double coating and compression of the tablet, and the product also undergoes exhaustive testing at different stages of manufacturing.

Cipla’s investment in infrastructure aligns with the government’s request to support local industries to stimulate economic growth. Manufacturing and investment in infrastructure have been identified by the World Bank, and in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as the multiplier for job creation, as well as economic growth and development in any country. Cipla continues to work closely with government in this regard and to ensure that people have access to affordable treatment. Cipla has a legacy of pioneering affordable ARVs: in 2001, it produced the world-first three-in-one fixed combination drug, available at less than USD 1 per day, thereby enabling countless more patients to have access to life-saving medication. This new fixed-dose combination – an addition to Cipla’s comprehensive portfolio of HIV medication – is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a preferred first-line regimen.

Cipla South Africa CEO, Paul Miller, said: “We’re always focused on ensuring that patients benefit by having access to quality, affordable ARVs. DTG is considered a best-in-class medicine providing many clinical benefits for people living with HIV. With DTG replacing efavirenz (EFV) in the first-line fixed dose combination treatment thereby reducing the likelihood of treatment failure, TLD has the potential to reduce overall treatment costs.” According to UNAIDS, antiretroviral therapy using dolutegravir has several advantages over other regimens, including clinical superiority, improved side-effect profile, and reduced risk of viral resistance. – Medical Buyer Bureau