HIV patients in the United States are apparently surviving longer due to less complicated-to-take and less immediately toxic anti-hiv drugs. Increasing patient lifespan on necessary anti-hiv medication equals sustained sales of the drugs. This along with repeated failures to find an HIV vaccine, and new unexpected increases of hiv positive populations in certain communities has been a boon to HIV-drug makers. Gilead Sciences Inc., of California, produces the most prescribed anti-hiv drug in the country, Atripla. Gilead supplies Atripla to over half of HIV positive patients in the US. Its sales are expected to reach $1billion this year alone.
Los Angeles Times
