Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - October 5, 2002
Aphaluck Bhatiasevi
The activists plan to file another lawsuit on Wednesday to have the US-based firm's patent rights on ddI revoked, after they won a case on Oct 1 to remove the firm's exclusive rights to sell the drug in Thailand.
They said the Oct 1 legal victory had not completely revoked the firm's exclusive rights on the sale of ddI. Bristol-Myers Squibb continues to enjoy patent rights on 5-100 milligrammes ddI.
The activists argued that the formula used by Bristol-Myers Squibb to manufacture ddI was not an innovation because the drug was available before the firm applied for a patent.
The firm holds a 20-year patent to market ddI in Thailand.
Kamol Upkaew, representing the Thai Network for People Living with HIV/Aids, yesterday called on the Public Health Ministry to give a clear stand on support for people with HIV.
Nimit Thienudom, director of Aids Access Foundation, said the removal of Bristol-Myers Squibb's exclusive rights to manufacture ddI would give people with HIV/Aids better access to the drug.
Government Pharmaceutical Organisation director Thongchai Thavichachart said his organisation was prepared to replace its powder form of ddI with the tablet form, which cost less than 20 baht each, the current price per packet of powder ddI. Bristol-Myers Squibb's ddI costs 40 baht a pill.
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