[afro-nets] Novartis targets India's Patents Act as Thailand and Philippines push generic drugs

["Claudio Schuftan" <claudio@hcmc.netnam.vn>]

Novartis targets India's Patents Act as Thailand and Philippines push generic drugs
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Cross-posted from: Third World Network 
http://www.twnside.org.sg

Novartis targets India's Patents Act

India could dry up as a source of newer and future affordable medicines if Novartis succeeds in its challenge against India's Patent act. Medecins sans Frontiers has launched an international petition to urge Novartis to immediately drop the case (for further information visit http://www.accessmed-msf.org).

India is one of the most vital sources of generic drugs and Novartis' attack on India's patent law could have disastrous consequences on access to affordable medicines for millions of people in the developing world.

Thailand and Philippines push generic drugs

Meanwhile Thailand and the Philippines are pushing ahead with plans to provide cheaper generic drugs despite threats from Big Pharma. 

See South-North Development Monitor (SUNS) # 6167, 21 December 2006 and # 6165, 19 December 2006.

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Claudio Schuftan
mailto:claudio@hcmc.netnam.vn