Date: Tue, 13 Feb 1996 22:30:07 -0500 From: Mary Ann Murphy Subject: CA approve Epivir and Invirase Following is this month sample on an HIV/AIDS issue it is to be sent to Governor Wilson fax:(916)445-4633 February 15, 1996 The Hon. Pete Wilson, Governor The CA State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 Dear Governor Wilson: Please allow the Department of Health Services to add 3TC (Epivir) and Saquinavir (Invirase), two recently approved drugs, to the formulary of California's AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). In addition, ADAP is in great need of a budget augmentation to cover both a projected deficit and the cost of these new drugs. Both 3TC and saquinavir show promise for improving the standard of care for HIV disease. While they are now available to people receiving Medi- Cal, this is not true for those who rely on ADAP for their medications. Many of these individuals had received these drugs for no cost through clinical trials, but the trials have concluded and these individuals are now at great risk of losing access to these important, life prolonging treatments. Given the positive effects of both of these new drugs, I strongly urge you to expedite and approve the addition of 3TC and Saquinavir to the ADAP formulary, as well as to approve a budget augmentation so that ADAP will be able to meet the full drug needs of all eligible Californians. Very truly yours,