We crossed 100 samples at Molecular Solutions a few days ago! Hurray!
This is 100 HIV, HCV and HBV viral loads and drug resistance genotypes. About 75% of our samples have been from the NGO sector, with subsidized pricing.
Clearly, we need to get cracking on finding funding for these samples and at the same time amp up our full-price private sector patients.
But marketing aside, I spent the last weekend poring over this data. It is fascinating stuff. We are finding high levels of HIV drug resistance in our populations. While India has made amazing strides in its control of HIV, looks like the next face of the HIV epidemic is about to hit. Once drug resistance levels creep up, the whole world will have to grapple again with high drug costs, low availability and a need to triage out drugs only to the sickest. The debate on who gets to start what medicines will begin again.
This will be a short note, but worth considering. India made HIV generic drugs and saved the world. Now, for the HCV epidemic, Indian companies have signed a pact with Western pharma such that they will produce the branded drugs at a fraction of the cost seen in the US, but at a price that is still quite high. Pakistan and Egypt, which didn't sign this pact, have since developed drugs which are supposedly just as effective at about 1/10th the price that India manufactures it at.
When I am less pressed for time, I must sit down and reflect upon this milestone of 100 samples. It is a great thing, but with my technician gone, my mind is burdened with the stress of getting the remaining samples processed and sent out.
1 comment:
GREAT Going!!! Keep it up!! :)
You have the added advantage of the personal touch, more than the other diagnostic labs I'm sure. And for these kinds of tests you do need the personal touch. Perhaps you can also offer counselling for those in need?
Post a Comment