Regulatory News for September 2015

Patent-blocking strategies to give developing nations access to cheaper, safer drugs may stunt research Patent-blocking strategies to give developing nations access to cheaper, safer drugs may stunt research

The patent-blocking strategies being used by some international advocacy groups to promote access to cheaper drugs in developing nations can be seen to be good thing; however, it is important that issues concerning the availability of the drug and the pricing of the drug are kept separate. If there is pressure on patent courts to decide against awarding a patent to a drug company because there is a desire to have the drug at a low price, this results in a conflict of interests and will fundamentally invalidate the patent system. If such situations occur they could stunt vital drug research programmes.
16 September, 2015