Generics And The Third World

Third world countries are often the most in need of new medicines but patents prevent the production of cheap generics, which could be one way of supplying this demand.

As a solution the World Trade Organisation (WTO) introduced legislation in 2003 which would allow third world countries to let them know which medications they require and allow companies compulsory licences to produce generic versions of patented drugs to fill this demand, the patent would still hold elsewhere until expiration.

Some fear the drugs may be re-imported and sold back to the west where seller would get a greater profit rather than going to benefit those in need but strict regulation that the drug be produced and imported for humanitarian reasons only.

Another problem is ensuring prices remain low enough for developing countries to afford, this requires a market large enough to attract a large amount of competition that will keep prices down.

There are many claims that large Pharmaceutical companies are blocking efforts by countries such as India to produce cheap generic versions of their drugs. Drugs that are produced cheaply in these countries are often imported to the west rather than going to those in need in the countries of origin.

1 in 4 aids suffers have access to the HIV drugs they need to stay alive and just 1 in 5 has access to basic prevention services. There are currently 33,000,000 people living with HIV and AIDS.