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Nevirapine resistance needs more research

    JOHANNESBURG

    South Africa's Ministry of Health has announced that further research was needed to validate resistance claims on an anti-AIDS drug used to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

    The Medicines Control Council had detected resistance to the drug, Nevirapine, in some HIV-positive mothers, creating uncertainty as to whether transmission of the virus was being blocked or not.

    Following a meeting on Thursday between Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang and AIDS experts on resistance to the drug when used as a single dose [monotherapy], it was decided that more research, as well as validation and a scientific peer review of the results would be undertaken.

    Ministerial spokesperson Sibani Mngadi was quoted by the South African Press Association as saying: "It was also agreed to improve the co-ordination of research and clinical trials between the department of health researchers and other relevant institutions, such as the Medical Research Council and the Medicines Control Council."

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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