Mylan Laboratories Limited (formerly Matrix Laboratories Limited) has received tentative approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for its New Drug Application (NDA) for Abacavir Sulfate and Lamivudine tablets, 60 mg/30 mg.

This fixed-dose combination (FDC) product was developed for use in treating children with HIV/AIDS and is based on the adult-strength, brand version of the product Epzicom,  by Viiv Healthcare. Mylan received tentative PEPFAR approval for its adult-strength, generic version of Epzicom on March 30, 2009.

Mylan CEO Heather Bresch said: "The approval of Abacavir Sulfate and Lamivudine further supports Mylan's mission to continue expanding access to high quality medicine around the world, which is especially crucial for children living with HIV/AIDS. This product combines two medications in one tablet, which may support treatment adherence in children as it reduces the pill burden often associated with complex antiretroviral regimens."

Abacavir Sulfate and Lamivudine tablets are used in combination with other medications to control HIV infection. The FDA's tentative approval under PEPFAR means that Mylan's product meets all of the agency's manufacturing quality, safety and efficacy standards. Mylan also has received approval for this paediatric FDC therapy from the World Health Organization (WHO) under their Prequalification of Medicines Programme. The product will be eligible for purchase outside the U.S. in certain developing countries.

Mylan's wide range of ARV products includes active pharmaceutical ingredients and 42 first- and second-line finished doses, nine of which are paediatric products. The company's emphasis on producing affordable products has allowed it to drive down the average annual cost per patient of effective therapies. Approximately one-third of HIV/AIDS patients in developing countries depend on a Mylan ARV product.