PHA-Exchange> U.S. Formally Accepts WTO Amendment Allowing Developing Countries To Import Generic HIV/AIDS Medications

[Claudio]

From: "Vern Weitzel" <vern.weitzel at undp.org>

> U.S. Formally Accepts WTO Amendment Allowing Developing Countries To
Import Generic HIV/AIDS Medications
 23 Dec 2005
>   The US on Saturday formally accepted an amendment to the World Trade
> Organization Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property
> Rights that allows developing countries to issue compulsory licenses to
> import generic drugs for diseases such as HIV/AIDS if a country confirms
> that it cannot manufacture them domestically, U.S. Trade Representative
> Rob Portman said, Xinhuanet reports (Xinhuanet, 12/17). The WTO general
> council earlier this month agreed to extend a 2003 waiver that allows
> compulsory licenses. However, the waiver needs approval from two-thirds
> of the organization's 149 members by Dec. 1, 2007, to become a permanent
> amendment to the TRIPS agreement (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 12/15).
> Portman in a statement said the U.S. is the first WTO member to formally
> accept the amendment, adding, "Our acceptance of this amendment is an
> important step in the global effort in providing the best access to
> lifesaving drugs" (AFX/Forbes, 12/18). Several organizations that
> advocate for greater drug access say the agreement is "too cumbersome to
> be effective," AFP/Yahoo! News reports (AFP/Yahoo! News, 12/17).
> However, Portman said the waiver extension "shows how positive trade
> rules can meet the needs of developing countries, especially those who
> currently face health crises" (Xinhuanet, 12/17).
>
>
>   Source: Kaiser Family Foundation