Our partnership with Hologic shaped the HIV viral load testing market in Africa. Before our guarantee, there were two suppliers in the market, but uptake was low. Countries found that, after the initial equipment purchase, they faced charges for a range of extras, including software updates and maintenance. As a result, dozens of machines fell out of use.
MedAccess provided Hologic with a volume guarantee in return for an agreement that the company would offer the first all-inclusive price for its viral load testing platform. Under the company’s Global Access Initiative, Hologic agreed to charge $12 per patient test, with all consumables, maintenance and software included.
Not only is the viral load testing market healthier, with 12 countries having at least two suppliers in their markets, but major procurers used Hologic’s price as the benchmark for future procurement rounds, meaning companies would need to at least match Hologic’s $12 ceiling price.
