[Pharm-policy] CPT reaction to MSF CIPLA joint statement

[James Love]

CPT reaction to the MSF CIPLA joint statement

"The MSF CIPLA collaboration has dramatically changed the dynamics of
the access debate.  Now there is a new recognition that a strategy of
procurement from quality generic producers can dramatically drive down
prices, and free governments in the developing countries from having to
enter into onerous and restrictive "linkage" agreements with the big 
drug companies.

"The reactions by UNAIDS, WHO and Kofi Annan were very positive, and
suggest a renewed look at the generic sector.  If one looks that the
movement, in the past year, of the competitive market prices for raw
materials prices for HIV drugs, one can see today that the Brazil
experiment of purchasing drugs from the generic sector has dynamic
benefits, as prices continue to fall.  Brazil has created a global
generics market that has benefits for the entire developing world.

"CIPLA's bold announcement and dramatic cost cutting humanitarian price
of $350 is quite important, as it the announcement today that MSF and
CIPLA will work together to examine ways to extend the $350 price offer 
to other NGOs.  The recent announcement by Ranbaxy that it too will 
begin offering generic HIV drugs is more evidence that the generics 
market can become more competitive and more important.  This is all good 
news for the poor who are HIV positive.  

"One should also admit that the global community has ignored the obvious
for too long, and that there is a great urgency in getting policy
right.  With millions of deaths per year, the costs of delay in terms of
policy, are huge, and tragic.  

"CIPLA has offered to pay patent owners in countries where patents
exist, offering up to 5 percent of its sales prices.  The patent owners
of important HIV drugs, including for example, the NIH, Yale University,
and the University of Minnesota, should promptly agree.  Where licenses
cannot be obtained voluntarily, it is now time for the WHO, UNAIDS, the
World Bank, governments or NGOs to obtain compulsory licenses.  It is
morally repugnant to delay this process any longer.  

"CIPLA and MSF are similar in these important respects, both
organizations are action oriented, pragmatic, creative and focused on
real outcomes.  Their leadership is much appreciated.  Special thanks to
MSF's Bernard Pecoul, Daniel Berman and Carmen Perez for their hard
work.  

  Jamie Love

FMI  James Love
     Director, Consumer Project on Technology
     hm 1.703.522.4380
     wk 1.202.387.8030
     love@cptech.org
     http://www.cptech.org


-- 
James Love
Consumer Project on Technology
P.O. Box 19367, Washington, DC 20036
http://www.cptech.org
love@cptech.org
1.202.387.8030 fax 1.202.234.5176