WORLD:
"Anti-Counterfeit Deal Threatens Accessibility of Drugs"

6/28/2010 7:31:09 AM

London - A proposed anti-counterfeit trade deal between 10 countries and the European Union (EU) could create "a new set of barriers to the export of generic medicines to low income countries".

The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) is aimed at tackling the trade in fake products -from luxury watches to medicines. Customs officials in signatory countries will be permitted to seize suspected counterfeit goods. Critics warn that by not clearly distinguishing between fake medicines and legal generic drugs, the agreement could lead to the wrongful seizure of generic medicines en route to developing countries. Rohit Malpani, senior advisor at Oxfam America, says that a multinational pharmaceutical company can say to customs officials in the transit country that a product infringes a patent in this territory thus preventing it from reaching its destination. Companies from India - dubbed the "pharmacy of the developing world" for its leading generics sector – had HIV, cardiovascular disease and common infections drugs, on their way to African countries, turned back by overzealous EU customs officials. While the idea of the bill is noble, its unforeseen repercussions could be devastating for those in countries that rely on generic medicines.

(END/RADIO EDITOR/2010)

Back to radio index >>