GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced an agreement with the Russian Government to supply anti-retroviral medicines, for the treatment of HIV/AIDS, at discounted prices. The agreement is the first direct, federal purchase of anti-retroviral medicines in Russia.

Under the terms of the agreement, GSK will supply over 90,000 treatment packs to the Russian Government of its HIV medicines: Combivir, Epivir and Ziagen, by the end of 2006. Hospital centres will dispense these medicines, which are used as mainstay treatment for HIV, across Russia. This will help the Russian Government meet its target of reaching 15,000 patients by the end of 2006. This target has been doubled to 30,000 in 2007.

Andrew Witty, president, Pharmaceuticals Europe, GlaxoSmithKline said: "The recent G8 Summit in St Petersburg reiterated the importance of a comprehensive and holistic approach to addressing HIV/AIDS embracing political commitment and funding to deliver prevention, treatment and care solutions across the world. Russia is making a strong contribution to global efforts, and has committed $ 270 million to the Global Fund in the period up to 2010.

"Today's agreement will significantly increase access to HIV treatment in Russia. GSK has a long-standing commitment to improving access to its HIV medicines across the world and is delighted to continue this, by playing a full part in supporting the efforts of the Russian government. We applaud the Russian Government's commitment to tackling the epidemic and look forward to further partnership."

In addition to supplying medicines at preferential prices to the Russian Government, and to Global Fund projects in Russia, GSK also operates a number of HIV/AIDS programmes in local communities to overcome poor understanding of transmission, diagnosis and stigma. Two new significant projects will start in 2007 to help support physicians when counselling patients, following a diagnosis of HIV.