Pharmaceutical Institute Development of new antiretroviral drugs for HIV/AIDS patients infected with the hepatitis C virus

Pharmaceutical Institute Development of new antiretroviral drugs for HIV/AIDS patients infected with the hepatitis C virus

Today (30 November 2022) Ph.D. Nantakan Suwanpidokkul The Deputy Director of the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) discusses the GPO’s research and development for people with HIV/AIDS. On World AIDS Day on 1 December, the Ministry of Public Health recognizes the importance of developing antiretroviral drug research for people living with HIV/AIDS. becoming continuous The development of antiretroviral drugs to keep up with the situation and new treatment guidelines. as well as drug development in single drug formulations and combined drug formulations for adults and children Taking into account the convenience of taking the drug the patient continues. to prevent drug resistance Including developing drug efficacy to cover treatment even among drug resistant patients.

The deputy director of the PPP said that in the past it was found that there were people infected with HIV / AIDS. along with many hepatitis C infections that do not have access to drug therapy. Because it is a drug that has to be imported, which has a high price. Therefore, the DOH has started research and development of the first generic anti-HCV drug since 2012, namely Ribavirin tablets, 400 and 200 mg, used in combination with Ron’s pecinterfer injection (Pegylated interferon; Peg-IFN). Makes the patient uncomfortable when administering drugs. So switching to using drugs in the form of oral drugs So the Ministry of Public Health has researched and developed a well-known combination drug formula. GPO-Hep C tablets, which are a combination of Sofosbuvir 400 mg tablets and Velpatasvir tablets. Pangenotypic direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) are available to treat all types of hepatitis C virus infection. Increase the convenience of taking medications for patients. Leading to better treatment efficiency and reducing the problem of drug resistance. By reducing the number of pills to be taken from 2 tablets 1 time a day from the original drug formula to 1 tablet 1 time a day. It was used to treat infected people and patients in the National Health Security System. and patients in the social security system can use the service in the hospital according to the right to receive treatment free of charge

Dr. Nuntakarn said that the development of such drugs is like a gift that Apor.M. determined to give it to infected people and patients. Access to treatment effectively and equally, in line with the concept of organizing the “Thian Song Jai” event on the occasion of World AIDS Day on December 1, 2022, which the Thai Red Cross Society has arranged to host annually. Between 1-3 December 2022 to raise awareness of the AIDS problem. and cooperation, prevention, correction, as well as building understanding of infected people By organizing the event under the concept of “EQUalize, make equal” at Rattana Wittayapat Building, Floor M1, Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, where he took the PPP involved in introducing the development of new antiviral drugs. Giving infected people and patients in Thailand access to effective medicines and treatments. lead to a better quality of life