New York, July 10: Pfizer Inc. and GlaxoSmithKline has become the latest drug companies to slash prices of their AIDS drugs for cash-strapped, state-run programs in the United States that treat the poor, uninsured and underinsured. Pfizer said it will provide millions of dollars of drugs either free or at greatly reduced prices to AIDS Drug Assistance Programs, or ADAPs, which are run by the states and US territories using a combination of state and federal funds to treat patients. Pfizer spokesman Nehl Horton yesterday said the exact amount of its donation would depend on states' needs but the company wouldn't disclose it anyway.

Meanwhile, GlaxoSmithKline said it will provide a $20 million package of cash and credits to the programs. GlaxoSmithKline is the market leader in AIDS treatments.

Together, seven companies have agreed to contribute more than $50 million to assist the ADAP programs, according to the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS directors.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. is the only drug company that hasn't reached an agreement with the ADAP programs; however, a company spokesman said it is close to reaching a deal. The latest agreement comes as Congress begins to negotiate funding for the ADAP programs for fiscal 2004, and AIDS activists say the amounts under consideration fall short of needs. Funding shortfalls have caused 15 of the 57 ADAP programs to either start a patient waiting list or restrict access to medicines.

In trading on the New York Stock Exchange, Pfizer shares fell 9 cents to $34.22 while GlaxoSmithKline shares fell 33 cents to $40.02. Bureau Report