The Latin American country, which is effectively fighting Aids and HIV with measures like free distribution of medicines, has signed a deal with U.S. drug-maker Abbott to import the drug, a new version of Kaletra at a slashed price.
Brazil's Health Minister Jose Gomes Temporao told reporters Wednesday, "Abbott created a positive atmosphere of discussion and cooperation with us to reach an agreement. Other companies should follow its example.''
He said efforts are on to get drugs at discounted prices from other companies as well.
The Abbot's price cut is in line with company's policy of offering the drug to the low and middle income countries at discounted price. Other 44 countries are benefiting from the policy.
In Brazil 31,000 adults and 1,200 children are given Kaletra every day. The other Aids drug being used is Efavirenz, being imported from India.
The country is said to have cut AIDS-related deaths by half over the years as a result of its successful campaign against the disease.
