In the latest flare up over access to medicines, the world’s least-developed countries are seeking an indefinite waiver from world trade rules so they can remain exempt from granting and enforcing pharmaceutical patents. But the U.S. Trade Representative is objecting to the move.
At issue is the ability of non-profits, health programs and generic drug makers working in those 48 countries to make, import or export medicines for life-threatening diseases without fear of being sued for patent infringement. An existing waiver, which was put in place 15 years ago as part of a World Trade Organization agreement, expires on Jan. 1, 2016.
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