DuPont Pharmaceuticals are making a liquid formulation of their NNRTI efavirenz available in the UK through a named patient programme. Schemes of this kind provide access to unlicensed products to doctors who apply on behalf of a named patient, and agree to be responsible for their welfare as a result.
Efavirenz was licensed in the European Union for use in adults with HIV, and children aged 3 years and over, in May 1999. The availability of this strawberry-flavoured liquid formulation should improve tolerability in children who have difficulty swallowing capsules. Efavirenz has not so far been adequately studied in children less than 3 years old, or who weigh less than 13kg, and so cannot be used in these groups.
Physicians who would like to know more about the scheme should contact DuPont Pharmaceuticals to speak with the Named Patient Administrator. This person is not permitted to provide information to patients, or their families or carers, however, who should instead discuss treatment options with their doctor.