Opportunistic pricing: a new scourge, a new call for action.

A new obstacle for HIV-infected people is the rising cost of anti-HIV drugs. Some manufacturers are pricing drugs, based on market demand, not production costs. Over time this practice may put many important drugs out of the reach of federally funded programs, and increase concerns about public money earmarked for AIDS. AZT (Zidovudine, Retrovir), was initially marketed at a high price, but the price was reduced twice in response to public demand. Protease inhibitors are also priced well above the previous generation of HIV drugs. Ironically, the widespread use of HIV drugs means that companies are recouping more of their development costs sooner, and therefore could set prices lower without disturbing profitability. Increasing drug prices are also impacting government programs. To effect change, a letter-writing campaign against current pricing policies is suggested. Addresses of pharmaceutical company executives are provided.