Stop TB Partnership

New Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) with first-line TB drug suppliers and improved pricing system

19 February, 2008 -- From September through December 2007 the Global Drug Facility (GDF) conducted a competitive selection process among pre-qualified first-line drug manufacturers through its Procurement Agent, GTZ.

This competitive process is now complete, and GDF and GTZ are pleased to announce that awards have been made to five suppliers. Four of them - Svizera, Cadila, Strides and Lupin - were already serving as GDF suppliers. One new supplier, Macleods, also was selected. This expansion in the supplier pool indicates strong interest and competition among manufacturers, and augurs well for favourable pricing and availability of high quality anti-TB drugs.

GDF and GTZ have also introduced a new pricing system for first-line drugs that provides firmer estimates of total costs. Through consultation and cooperation with its agents, GDF is now able to list prices inclusive of quality assurance (QA) and Procurement Agent (PA) costs - a move that will aid clients in their budgeting and planning and lead to a more efficient drug procurement process.

GDF is committed to providing affordable high-quality anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs to countries with a high TB burden and stimulating capacity and competition in the production sector.