DNDi is awarded USD 17.3 million from UNITAID to spur development and delivery of child-adapted ARVs

[Geneva, Switzerland, 11 December 2012] The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative welcomes the announcement by UNITAID to grant up to USD 17.3 million to the organization for its paediatric HIV programme. The grant, to be disbursed over three years, will enable DNDi and partners to build on the advances made in the field of paediatric HIV to date, and drive specific research and development to deliver child-adapted ARV formulations that do not require refrigeration, are easy-to-administer and palatable, with simplified dosing, and which can be given to children co-infected with tuberculosis.

'This support from UNITAID is an encouraging sign that DNDi and our partners are on the right path, and we will stay focused in our efforts to ensure that adapted treatments reach the kids that need them', said Dr Bernard Pécoul, Executive Director of DNDi. 'Timely delivery, adoption, and uptake will be key to saving the lives of the youngest children with HIV/AIDS', he added.

DNDi entered into the field of paediatric HIV in 2011 and, earlier this year, announced a partnership agreement with the Indian drug manufacturer Cipla to develop adapted 4-in-1 ARV formulations for children with HIV/AIDS under three years of age.

More information:
Click here to see a short clip, 'Paediatric HIV: The Reality of a Neglected Disease', which follows a South African mother of a child with HIV, and demonstrates the difficulties encountered while administering current treatments. www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUrxLz … -ok&feature=youtu.be

Provided by Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative