[Ip-health] Bangkok Post: Local drug companies in favor of CLS

[Sarah Rimmington]

http://www.bangkokpost.com/Business/25Feb2008_biz19.php

PHARMACEUTICALS

Local drug companies in favour of CLs

NAREERAT WIRIYAPONG

Compulsory licensing (CL) of patented drugs will only benefit Thailand
and the new government should continue with the policy, says a group
representing local drugmakers, in sharp contrast to the view of
multinationals.

Nilsuwan Leelarasamee, vice-chairman of the Thai Pharmaceutical Club,
affirmed that CLs were allowed under the World Trade Organisation (WTO)
to prevent monopolies by patent holders and help poor countries provide
essential medicines at a reasonable cost.

''That's why the WTO created CL as a tool. Members are allowed to inform
patent holders before using CL,'' Mr Nilsuwan said.

''What Thailand has done on compulsory licensing complies with the WTO
guidelines and we don't need to reverse ourselves just for the sake of
trade benefits given by the United States.''

The US pharmaceutical lobby has ben pressing Washington to consider
punitive action, such as the removal of some tariff benefits for Thai
products, if the country continues to impose CL measures.

The military-backed government, which left office last month, imposed CL
on three Aids drugs and a heart medication.

Recently, the Public Health Ministry introduced CL for three cancer
drugs, raising concerns about possible impact on Thailand's trade with
countries that hold the patents.

''Even the US and Canada themselves use the CL on dozens of products,''
Mr Nilsuwan said.

''CL has created nothing but positive impact for Thailand, allowing the
government to produce and source medicine on its own. Meanwhile,
consumers have access to cheaper drugs than brand-name ones.''

There are 167 local pharmaceutical makers, 40 of which are members of
the Thai Pharmaceutical Club.

Imported medicines account for 70% of total pharmaceutical sales in
Thailand, which were worth 80 billion baht last year. The rest are made
by local producers, including the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation.

Chernporn Tengamnuay, the president of the local producer Greater Pharma
Co, agreed that CL had given Thai patients greater access to drugs.

''There are a number of Thai patients waiting for cheaper drugs, for
example those fighting cancer,'' he said. ''At present, quite a few
cancer patients lack access to drugs because the prices are too expensive.''

--
Sarah Rimmington
Attorney
Essential Action, Access to Medicines Project
Washington, DC
Tel: (202) 387-8030
Cell: (202) 422-2687
www.essentialaction.org/access/