In 2001, Cipla, an Indian company, offered to sell HIV drugs to South Africa and other governments for US $600 a year per patient, or about $400 below the price offered by most big drug companies that hold the patents. South Africa could take advantage of the offer only if it compelled the patent holders to license the drugs, for instance on the ground that in national emergencies, demand was not being met at fair prices. The multinationals argued that they need high prices in order to carry out their research, even though the prices put the remedies out of the reach of millions of people with HIV. But several companies did reduce their prices, some noting they would make no profit on the sales and others offering the discounted drugs to employers and nonprofit groups.