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LONDON, April 19, 2001 - - GlaxoSmithKline's Chief Executive Officer, Jean-Pierre Garnier, unreservedly welcomed today's announcement that a settlement has been reached in the court case involving the South African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PMA) and the Government of South Africa.
"This settlement meets the objectives of both the South African Government and the pharmaceutical industry - but it is my fervent hope that the real winners here will be patients," said Dr Garnier. "This settlement has been achieved through partnership between the industry, the South African Government and the United Nations - it is in this spirit that we must move forward to tackle the massive problem of diseases such as HIV/AIDS in the developing world."
Under the terms of the settlement the South African Government has confirmed that its new law will be implemented in a way that is compliant with the international Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights Agreement on patent protection (TRIPS.) The South African Government has also agreed to consult with the industry on the regulations regarding implementation of the Act.
"We are delighted that the South African Government has confirmed that it is committed to TRIPS " said Dr Garnier "The South African Government's willingness to respect intellectual property rights and to consult creates the basis for a new spirit of co-operation. This must provide encouragement to the industry to invest in future research and development of new medicines including those for diseases of the developing world. "
Dr Garnier also acknowledged the key roles played by Dr Kofi Annan and President Thabo Mbeki in securing a settlement, and reiterated GlaxoSmithKline's determination to play its part in addressing the healthcare needs of South Africa and other countries of the developing world.
"GlaxoSmithKline is committed to playing its part and we are ready to supply our antiretroviral medicines to South Africa at heavily discounted prices," said Dr Garnier. "Improving access to treatment and healthcare in South Africa and other developing countries is a massive challenge and must be shared responsibility between all sectors of national and global society - together we can make a difference in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic that has ravaged South Africa."
GlaxoSmithKline - one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies - is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.
Notes to Editors
The Accelerating Access Initiative, of which GlaxoSmithKline is a founding partner, was launched last year in conjunction with UNAIDS, WHO, World Bank, UNICEF, and UNFPA to tackle the problem of HIV/AIDS in developing countries through partnerships.
In February this year, Jean-Pierre Garnier, announced that GlaxoSmithKline would extend its offer of 90% discounted prices to include non-government organisations (NGOs) in developing countries and employers in Africa who offer care to their staff through their own workplaces clinics.
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