Life-saver: TB drugs to become more expensive

International prices of Rifampicin, used to produce a key drug in the treatment of TB, have increased by $22 per kg

KARACHI:

Tuberculosis (TB) treatment is likely to become more expensive because of an increase in the international price of Rifampicin – an important raw material used in the making of drugs to combat the infectious disease.

International prices of Rifampicin, which is used to produce one of the key drugs in the treatment of TB, have increased by $22 per kilogramme, a press release from the public relations agency of the Pharma Bureau said on Monday.

“The rise in prices will have an impact on treatment options available,” said Pharma Bureau – a representative body of multinational pharmaceutical companies operating in Pakistan.

“In order to maintain a continuous supply of tuberculosis treatment drugs, we need to be ensured that an appropriate price increase will be given to member companies,” said Pharma Bureau Executive Director Ayesha Tammy Haq.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 19^th, 2012.