Chamber tells Brazil to drop drug ultimatum

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is urging the Brazilian government to drop its threat to start producing its own versions of an HIV/AIDS medication unless the drug’s manufacturer halves its prices.

Brazil said it will license its government laboratories to manufacture the drug Kaletra unless Abbott Laboratories cuts the drug’s price in half by tomorrow.

“The way to deal with this situation is through dialogue and partnership, not through threats,” said Thomas Donohue, president and CEO of the Chamber. “U.S. companies have always been willing to explore different possibilities with the government of Brazil to provide support to the national AIDS program.”

Mark H. Rodeffer