Brazilian Health Minister Jose Gomes Temporao signed a decree declaring that the country would purchase a generic version of Merck’s antiretroviral efavirenz from an India-based generic manufacturer if the company does not offer the drug at a lower price.

In November 2006, Brazil and Merck began negotiations over the price of efavirenz. Brazil called on Merck to provide the drug at 65 cents per 600 mg dose — the same price the company charges the Thai government. At the time, Brazil was paying $1.59 per dose.

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