[Ip-health] PhRMA statement on Brazilian compulsory licensing dispute

[Mike Palmedo]

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050709/nysa012.html?.v=10

PhRMA Statement on Protecting Patent Rights in Brazil

Saturday July 9, 9:11 am ET

WASHINGTON, July 9 /PRNewswire/ -- PhRMA President and CEO Billy Tauzin
issued the following statement today on the importance of protecting
patent rights in Brazil:

"We are pleased the Government of Brazil has successfully completed
discussions with a member company regarding the purchase of an important
treatment for HIV/AIDS. However, we are very disappointed that Brazil
resorted to inappropriate threats of compulsory licensing. Respect for
intellectual property is important to ensure that there is a continuing
stream of new and better medicines. The very best solution for patients
in Brazil lies in furthering constructive relationships and constructive
dialogue between the biopharmaceutical industry and the government of
Brazil."

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)
represents the country's leading pharmaceutical research and
biotechnology companies, which are devoted to inventing medicines that
allow patients to live longer, healthier, and more productive lives.
PhRMA members alone invested an estimated $38.8 billion in 2004 in
discovering and developing new medicines. PhRMA companies are leading
the way in the search for new cures.

PhRMA Internet Address: http://www.phrma.org

For information on how innovative medicines save lives, visit:
http://www.innovation.org

For information on the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, visit:
http://www.pparx.org

For information on the danger of imported drugs, visit: