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Published on December 18, 2007

The ministry yesterday held a meeting with Sanofi-Aventis, which makes docetaxel for lung and breast cancer, and Norvartis, which produces imatinib for leukaemia - to negotiate price reductions.

Sanofi-Aventis offered to cut its prices by 10 per cent provided the drug is put on the ministry's national drug list.

But Siriwat said: "If they want to get their product added to the national drug list they must reduce their prices by more than 60 per cent."

That way the firms would definitely benefit as hospitals across the country would only prescribe their drug for cancer patients.

"I have give them time to think about this. If they do not get back to me and accept my proposal by the end of this month, I will end the negotiations and submit a report to the health minister, who will then consider imposing compulsory licensing on cancer drugs."

However, Siriwat said his committee was satisfied with a proposal from Novartis, which offered to distribute the drug Glevec for free to cancer patients registered under the national health scheme.

Meanwhile, Roche - which makes erlotinib for lung cancer - is expected to make its price reduction proposal next week.

Pongphon Sarnsamak

 The Nation