E-DRUG: Ecuador creates public pharmaceutical firm Enfarma
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Friends, an overdue Ecuador update:
On December 21, President Correa signed Decreto 181, creating the public
pharmaceutical firm Enfarma. Enfarmas charter includes procurement
through imports, as well as manufacturing (beginning in late 2011) and
innovative research and development. Enfarma is expected to cooperate
with private sector firms around the world as well as public programs in
other Latin American countries. A council of high-ranking Ministers
oversees Enfarma, and a program staff manages day-to-day operations.
Following initial infusions of public funds, the government plans for
Enfarma to become self-sustaining.
Enfarma was designed in part to help implement Ecuadors new policy on
access to medicines and licensing patents. Enfarma will collaborate with
IEPI, Ecuadors patent office, ensuring compliance with all applicable
legislation. Its creation reflects the growing Andean regional interest
in access to medicines and in pharmaceutical pricing, research and
development that respond to the public health priorities of the region.
Decreto 181 is available here (in Spanish):
http://www.sigob.gov.ec/decretos/Decretos20092013.aspx
Read about Ecuadors compulsory licensing policy here:
http://www.essentialaction.org/access/index.php?/categories/8-Country%20Disputes%20and%20Other%20Issues
Peter Maybarduk
Public Citizen
Access to Medicines Project (formerly Essential Action)
+1 (202) 390-5375
peter.maybarduk@essentialinformation.org