Compulsory licensing can make patented cancer drugs more affordable
Compulsory licenses (CLs) overcome the barriers posed by patents in accessing life-saving medicines, as they enable the procurement of more affordable generic drugs. Although these are entirely legal measures, backed up by international trade law, Thailand has come under intense political pressure to withdraw the compulsory licenses on cancer drugs.But if Thailand does turn its back on its cancer patients, they are not the only ones who stand to suffer. This could well set a very bad precedent. If Thailand backs down, other countries like India will think twice before issuing compulsory licenses. Compulsory licences are the only way to ensure affordable sources of medicines exist in the future. Be a part of this campaign by signing our petition. Click here.
Public health activists should take note, and should come out in force to support of cancer patients in Thailand. See CPAA statement
For More information on compulsory licensing see briefing document.
World Health Organisation-led mission has this month confirmed the legitimacy of compulsory licensing. The policy “is one of several cost-containment mechanisms that may be used for patented essential medicines not affordable to the people or to public health insurance schemes,” said the team, which also included representatives of the World Trade Organisation, the United Nations Development Programme and legal experts. See Report of the WHO Mission - Improving Access to Medicines in Thailand.
This document has great relevance to India where we are beginning to face a similar problem of unaffordable patented drugs for life-saving diseases particularly cancer.
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