AEGiS-Bangkok Post: Aids network sees govt bias over medicine: GPO not allowed to produce ddI tablets

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Aids network sees govt bias over medicine: GPO not allowed to produce ddI tablets

Bangkok Post - January 12, 2003
Aphaluck Bhatiasevi

An Aids support network has accused the Intellectual Property Rights Department of bias in favour of pharmaceutical giant Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) over its decision to appeal a ruling limiting the company's patent protection on the anti-retroviral ddI.

The Network of People with HIV/Aids in Thailand called for Commerce Minister Adisai Bodharamik to revoke the appeal, which would delay local production of ddI for up to 10 years.

The network's president, Kamol Uppakaew, accused the Intellectual Property Rights Department of acting in favour of BMS, instead of protecting the interests of the public.

"In the run-up to international and regional meetings, the government always talks of how much it wants to provide greater access to expensive drugs," Mr Kamol said.

"But what the Intellectual Property Rights Department has done completely contradicts those sentiments."

The Intellectual Property Rights Court ruled in October BMS should enjoy patent protection only for 1-100 mg dosages of ddI, as specified in its application.

This ruling paved the way for the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation to manufacture the drug in higher dosages.

While 100-mg tablets of ddI made by BMS cost 43 baht each, GPO's powder form of the drug in the same dosage would cost about 17 baht.

However, the appeal lodged by the Intellectual Property Rights Department in December blocked the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation from manufacturing ddI in tablet form.

Having already filed a lawsuit against BMS, with the Intellectual Property Department as co-defendants, the Aids support network plans to submit a petition to Mr Adisai on Tuesday.

030112
BP030107

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2003. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2003. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .