UNCTAD Forum: Local Drug Manufacturing A Key To Universal Health Coverage 16/10/2014 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Local production of medicines in developing countries is key to advancing universal health coverage, but other factors need to be considered, such as the involvement of all stakeholders and policy coherence in governments, according to speakers attending the World Investment Forum this week. Several speakers called for a paradigm shift in global health.
At WTO, Experts Discuss Solutions To Drugs Innovation Crisis; IP Not In The List 03/10/2014 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The Universities Allied for Essential Medicines (UAEM) organised a panel at the World Trade Organization Public Forum this week on new approaches in university management of intellectual property. The panel gathered a diverse panel of experts giving their take on possible solutions to less innovation and higher prices of drugs, and the role of publicly-funded research.
US-India Cooperation Raises Hopes, Concerns 01/10/2014 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments In this week’s highly anticipated visit to the United States by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a number of joint statements have been issued, raising hope for greater cooperation between the two countries, and some concern about the same.
Health Advocates Demand U-Turn In EU Trade Policy To Align With Its Health Objectives 29/09/2014 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Health Action International Europe, and Oxfam today issued a briefing paper entitled, “Trading Away Access to Medicines: How the European trade agenda continues to undermine access to medicines.” The paper argues that new concerns such as the ebola virus and the threat of unchecked antimicrobial resistance show the need for a new model for financing pharmaceutical research and development.
Patent Landscape For Hepatitis Issued By WHO 26/09/2014 by Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment The World Health Organization has published an analysis of the patent situation for new hepatitis treatments, and a call for possible pharmaceutical products for prequalification.
Tobacco Plain Packaging Gains Ground As France Introduces Draft Bill 25/09/2014 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment French Minister for Social Affairs, Health and Rights of Women Marisol Touraine today announced a national programme to reduce tobacco use in France, including plain packaging.
Panellists Discuss Value Of Patent Pooling For HIV/AIDS, Potential For Other Diseases 25/09/2014 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment A side event to this week’s World Intellectual Property Organization annual General Assembly highlighted the work of the Geneva-based Medicines Patent Pool in fighting HIV/AIDS, and discussed whether it makes sense for the patent pool model to be extended to other diseases.
Gilead Monopoly Prevails Over Non-Discriminatory Access As Debated Hepatitis C Deal Sets Off 25/09/2014 by Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments Gilead on 15 September struck voluntary licence deals with seven India-based generic manufacturers to expand access to its hepatitis C innovative drugs in developing countries. With a limited territory covered, this, yet deserving, pact raises doubts about the coherence of Indian counterparts at a time when there are no relevant patents in India, several pre-grant oppositions have been filed and unrestrained competition by compulsory licences could have been pursued, writes Daniele Dionisio.
Numerous Side Events At WIPO General Assembly This Week 22/09/2014 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment A number of side events have been scheduled during the annual General Assemblies of the World Intellectual Property Organization this week. The range of events are organised by WIPO as well as governmental and non-governmental organisations working in areas such as public health, finance, copyright, geographical indications and innovation.
Experts Look At The Meaning Of Myriad Case, One Year Later 16/09/2014 by Brittany Ngo for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment IRVINE, CALIFORNIA – Experts gathered here last week addressed the question of – one year later – what does the United States Supreme Court’s decision on human gene patents mean for scientific research and patent policy?