Roche provides know-how for making generic Saquinavir

CNN reports that Swiss-based drug company Roche Holding AG is entering into four new cost-free technology transfers with local manufacturers in Africa, helping them make generic HIV medicine. The drugs, based upon Saquinavir (Roche's second-line HIV medicine) will be made by Regal Pharmaceuticals in Kenya, CAPS Holdings in Zimbabwe and Shelys Pharmaceuticals in Tanzania. This deal brings to nine the number of technology transfer agreements between Roche and companies in some of the world's least developed countries.