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Challenges to antiretroviral access for all at the developing countries
(Text added in 2006-05-08)
The Post-2005 scenario poses new challenges to be faced by developing countries and, consequently, to the global response to the AIDS epidemic. The monopolies forced by the multinational pharmaceutical companies in all developing and emerging markets will greatly reduce the maneuver of these countries in manufacturing generic versions of anti-retroviral medicines and dooming the strategies for price reduction. Existing Intellectual Property agreements promote an unbalanced system for developing countries that does not support innovation and R&D in the South. Further, the current IP system scarcely contributes to the social and economic development of the developing countries. World Trade Organization’s position regarding trade related aspects of intellectual property rights agreement (TRIPS) strengthens international enforcement of property rights and represents an important obstacle for developing countries to have access to new technologies. Recently, developing countries leadered by Brazil and Argentina lobbied the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to incorporate development goals and consumer rights to counterbalance the interests of powerful nations and corporation. WIPO’s approved resolution includes a joint international seminar on IP and development with other multilateral organizations like UN Trade and Development Conference, WHO and the UN Industrial Development Organization.
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Challenges to antiretroviral access for all at the developing countries
(Text added in 2006-05-08)
The Post-2005 scenario poses new challenges to be faced by developing countries and, consequently, to the global response to the AIDS epidemic. The monopolies forced by the multinational pharmaceutical companies in all developing and emerging markets will greatly reduce the maneuver of these countries in manufacturing generic versions of anti-retroviral medicines and dooming the strategies for price reduction. Existing Intellectual Property agreements promote an unbalanced system for developing countries that does not support innovation and R&D in the South. Further, the current IP system scarcely contributes to the social and economic development of the developing countries. World Trade Organization’s position regarding trade related aspects of intellectual property rights agreement (TRIPS) strengthens international enforcement of property rights and represents an important obstacle for developing countries to have access to new technologies. Recently, developing countries leadered by Brazil and Argentina lobbied the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to incorporate development goals and consumer rights to counterbalance the interests of powerful nations and corporation. WIPO’s approved resolution includes a joint international seminar on IP and development with other multilateral organizations like UN Trade and Development Conference, WHO and the UN Industrial Development Organization.