KUCHING: Malaysia is exploring regional cooperation to make antiretroviral (ARV) medicines more affordable for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients.
Deputy Health Minister, Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni, said access to these treatments should be viewed not as a luxury, but as a basic human right, especially as the cost of newer medications remains high.
He said the ministry is currently studying mechanisms such as multi-patent pooling and bulk purchasing with ASEAN partners to reduce drug prices.
“ARV is not a miracle medicine anymore. It’s a fundamental necessity and a matter of human rights.
“These medicines are patented and come with a price tag. That’s why we must explore ways to make them more affordable through regional collaboration.
“We mostly procure ARVs from India, but the biggest challenge is the unstable pricing. Bulk purchasing through regional platforms is one way forward,” he said.
He told reporters this after officiating at the ASEAN Regional Dialogue on Affordable Antiretroviral Drugs and Workshop on Promoting Community-Based Testing and Treatment for Key Populations at Hilton Hotel here today.
Lukanisman said the ministry is particularly focused on increasing access to newer ARV regimens, such as the Tenofovir-Lamivudine-Dolutegravir (TLD) combination.
He said Malaysia is still dependent on imported high-end pharmaceutical technologies, but biosimilar production may be considered in the future.
“TLD is more effective than older ARVs, but costs remain high. A month’s usage costs around RM200, and we’re aiming to reduce it to RM100.
“We currently don’t have the capability to produce this medicine locally. We rely heavily on producers in India, where they have more efficient options,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, Lukanisman said ensuring access to affordable next-generation ARV drugs, particularly Dolutegravir (DTG) and TLD, is becoming increasingly urgent.
He said these drugs are vital for sustaining treatment success, and are aligned with World Health Organisation (WHO)-recommended regimens, especially for countries striving to meet global HIV targets.
“We must collectively explore strategies to secure better pricing, voluntary licensing, and regional procurement through mechanisms such as the Medicines Patent Pool.
“We cannot move forward in isolation. The experiences shared in this forum, from Cambodia to Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia, will guide our collaboration and action,” he said.
