But, the introduction of dolutegravir into extra well being programmes will depend on two issues: what number of generic doses the Colombian authorities buys — and the way shortly.
“It takes a while for generics to be registered,” mentioned Luz Marina Umbasia, director of the World Humanitarian Progress Company in Colombia.
Umbasia defined that the buying course of usually takes a minimum of six months, though her organisation has inspired the Colombian authorities to purchase doses “as quickly as attainable”.
That may enable sufferers entry over the close to time period, whereas the drug continues to be below patent. The rights that ViiV Healthcare holds for dolutegravir in Colombia are set to run out in 2026.
Some advocates, nevertheless, doubt Colombia’s skill to coordinate a fast and environment friendly dolutegravir buy. They cited a scarcity of hepatitis C drugs final yr that resulted from delays in worth negotiations and provide acquisition.
“We don’t have a superb expertise with the Colombian authorities,” mentioned Nestor Alvarez Lara, a pharmacist and president of the advocacy group Excessive Price Sufferers.
He known as on the Colombian authorities to undertake a “very well-planned” rollout of the generic dolutegravir to keep away from the identical dilemmas.
“You must purchase in giant portions,” he mentioned. “There’s a substantial amount of mistrust that, in some unspecified time in the future, you might need three months’ provide after which run out of remedy.”
In an announcement to Al Jazeera, the Colombian Ministry of Well being and Social Safety mentioned the federal government is finalising a negotiation to purchase a “steady provide” of dolutegravir via the Pan American Well being Group (PAHO).
They count on it to develop into obtainable within the final three months of 2024. Officers plan to begin by buying greater than 800,000 bottles, guaranteeing a yr of therapy for about 67,000 individuals.
Villan considers himself fortunate to have converted to dolutegravir. He solely realized it was an choice as a result of his husband switched his medicines final yr, and Villan noticed his psychological state remodel.
“I met my husband once more,” Villan mentioned.
Villan added that he has helped mates get dolutegravir when their medical health insurance ran out. He hopes the brand new licence will broaden entry and eradicate the uncertainty they face.
“You must be on steady therapy for it to be efficient,” he mentioned. “Having that confidence, that consistency … we are able to dwell a very undetectable life.”
