3.10.2006
Sick children
The New York Times has a beautiful article this week about treatment programs for children with AIDS. A lot of times the 2.1 million HIV positive children are forgotten when talking about the pandemic (including in the school of public health) but their misery is just as great, and their capacity to respond to treatment and live is good, too.
Of course, as the article points out, pediatric formulations of HIV medication are not as well researched, not as available, and are much more expensive. One of the most promising new drugs is Kaletra, manufactured by Abbott Labs in Illinois. But there is currently no timetable for issuing a pediatric formulation. Abbott says that the liquid suspension is the pediatric option because it can be divided to adjust dosing, but the liquid requires refrigeration and is too bitter for children to take. If you think that Abbott should work to make this important drug available to the children who need it most, you can call the CEO and leave a message on his machine telling him so.
Miles D. White
CEO, Abbott Laboratories
Phone: 847-937-6100
Fax: 847-937-1511
For more information about what you can do, click here.
Of course, as the article points out, pediatric formulations of HIV medication are not as well researched, not as available, and are much more expensive. One of the most promising new drugs is Kaletra, manufactured by Abbott Labs in Illinois. But there is currently no timetable for issuing a pediatric formulation. Abbott says that the liquid suspension is the pediatric option because it can be divided to adjust dosing, but the liquid requires refrigeration and is too bitter for children to take. If you think that Abbott should work to make this important drug available to the children who need it most, you can call the CEO and leave a message on his machine telling him so.
Miles D. White
CEO, Abbott Laboratories
Phone: 847-937-6100
Fax: 847-937-1511
For more information about what you can do, click here.
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