AIDS DRUGS: Brazil, Thailand Override Big Pharma Patents -- Cohen 316 (5826): 816 -- Science

AIDS DRUGS: Brazil, Thailand Override Big Pharma Patents -- Cohen 316 (5826): 816 -- Science: "Executing a much-repeated threat, Brazil on 4 May broke sharply with big pharma and for the first time signed a 'compulsory license' that allows the country to make or import a generic version of a patented anti- HIV drug. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who signed the decree in a televised ceremony, took this step shortly after Thailand decided on similar action with the same drug--efavirenz--and two others. 'Many other countries will likely follow suit,' predicts economist James Love, who runs Knowledge Ecology International, a think tank in Washington, D.C. Love has urged developing countries to issue compulsory licenses, which are permitted by World Trade Organization rules for noncommercial uses of patented drugs, especially if they involve public health."
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Although a handful of countries have issued compulsory licenses for AIDS drugs without kicking up much of a fuss, all involved older, first-generation drugs. Now the second-line treatments are at stake. Economist Love adds that big pharma feels threatened that this movement could go beyond AIDS to heart disease and other ailments. "There's a big push in Thailand to do it for everything," says Love.
Merck notes that it "remains flexible and committed to exploring a mutually acceptable agreement" with Brazil, and Thailand on 14 May plans to hold a meeting with Merck, Abbott, and Sanofi-Aventis to attempt again to negotiate lower prices for their products.