( Thailand's government is at loggerheads...)Drug Companies Hit Out at Thai Generic Drug Scheme,Health

Thailand's government is at loggerheads with the pharmaceutical industry over its decision to issue compulsory licences for generic medicines. //

While Thailand argues it will make cheap generic drugs more widely available to its citizens, drug companies maintain that the plan undermines patent law and discourages foreign investment.

"We were disappointed by the announcement," Bangkok CEO of US drug firm, Merck Sharp and Dome, Christian Sellars, told Radio Australia's Karon Snowdon.

"We have been working with the Thai government to see what can be done in order to ensure that the patients get access to the products."

Compulsory licences have been issued to cover three medications which allow cheaper copies to be made or imported, including an HIV drug made by the giant US firm Merck Sharp and Dome.

Thailand's Ministry of Public Health is expected to expand the list of medicines covered by compulsory licence, using the public health rules of the World Trade Organisation.

Thailand encourages firms to lower prices

Last week Merck lowered the price of its HIV treatment, known as Efavirenz, by 14 per cent.

Mr Sellers says his firm provides the drug at cost price in developing countries and in middle income countries hardest hit by the epidemic.

But Thai Health Minister Mongkol na Songkhla says Merck lowered its prices too late and the compulsory licence issued will remain in force.

He is having talks with other companies who he says can avoid a compulsory licence by lowering their prices to the government's satisfaction.

Aid bodies dismiss drug firm claims

The Thai government's stance has the full support of non-governmental aid organisations such as Medecins Sans Frontieres.

Paul Cawthorn from MSF Thailand says the pharmaceutical industry's claims about its economic impact are exaggerated.

"C
'"/>




Page: 1 2
Related medicine news :

1. FDA To Set New Guidelines To Revise Drug Companies Marketing Tactics
2. Pharma Companies May Influence The Decisions Of Medical Students
3. Leading Biotech Companies Are Interested In Acquisition Of Smaller Companies
4. Japanese And Chinese Pharmaceutical Companies Join Together In Drug Testing
5. Doctors, Pharma Companies Targeted By CBI Raids
6. Raids Conducted In Hospitals And Pharmaceutical Companies
7. Australia to Show Leniency towards U.S. Pharmaceutical Companies
8. Pharma Companies Tie Up To Develop Bird Flu Vaccine
9. Companies Not Doing Enough To Fight Bird Flu
10. Food Companies show Pathetic Response to Health Crisis
11. Medicare Drug Plans Might Rest With Three Major Insurance Companies