A top health official says China is close to ink a deal with pharmaceutical giant Glaxo Smith Kline.

It will make a key AIDS drug available to poor patients in the country this year, said Wednesday's CRI online.

Vice Minister of Health Wang Longde says Glaxo has agreed to sell the drug 3TC to the Chinese government at a reduced price.

3TC is a key component of the most effective cocktail therapies used in AIDS-stricken developing countries. But it is currently unaffordable for most patients in China.

It is estimated that the drug will be put into use in China in the third quarter. Price details haven't been revealed

Source: CRIENGLISH.com