Pharmaceutical industry
Patents help the sick, poor globally
IPN Opinion article
The WHO is proposing a global treaty to weaken patents and put research under official control. This diverts attention from the real problems of healthcare, such as poor water and electricity services, and allows governments in poor countries to continue to blame their appalling healthcare on international factors - avoiding the politically difficult reforms that really would improve health.
Philippines: Enlarged market key to lower medicine costs
IPN Opinion article
The Manila Times covers IPN's recent symposium on IP, innovation and health in Manila.
Thailand violates drug patents for its own profit
IPN Opinion article
Thailand claims that its decision to issue compulsory licenses for several western-owned medicines is in the public interest. However, this policy risks increasing already serious resistance to AIDS medicines, with terrible implications for public health.
WHO's Got its Facts Wrong?
IPN Opinion article
The World Health Organisation makes great sport of taking the pharmaceutical industry to task for its inability to provide everyone in the developing world with the drugs they need. This so-called market failure is being used at negotiations in Geneva this month to bring research and patents under official control, managed by the WHO--but the WHO has trouble managing itself.
Populism versus the poor
IPN Opinion article
Innovation by India's internationally competitive scientists suffers because of protectionist policies of the Government, says Roger Bate
Cheap medicine, costly treatment
IPN Opinion article
Activists claim that a case at India's high court could spell the end of cheap medicines for the poor. The reality is far different: a victory for the government would undermine health and the economy.
Ethical' drugs miss heart of matter
IPN Opinion article
Scientists at Imperial College claim to be able to save millions of lives with their cheaper 'ethical pharmaceuticals'. But the fixation on the cost of medicines is diverting attention away from far more pressing issues.
