Dr. Pai said he and the Clinton group canvassed the Indian laboratory industry, convincing 27 of the 400 laboratories in the country to agree to a price ceiling on the diagnostics they purchased at the steep discount.

WSJ: Plan to Fight Deadly TB Strain Advances in India

Beginning in 2005, the Clinton team saw a possible path in the laboratory to lowering the price of the drugs.

WSJ: Researchers Manipulate HIV Drug's Chemistry to Lower Cost

Since then, the Clinton team has contracted with other chemists and has even built a small laboratory, where two scientists work full time.

WSJ: Researchers Manipulate HIV Drug's Chemistry to Lower Cost