E-DRUG: IP and generics in Europe
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In case you have not seen this, I draw your
attention to the recent report of the EGA on IP and generic competition
in Europe,
PATENT-RELATED BARRIERS TO MARKET ENTRY FOR GENERIC MEDICINES IN THE
EUROPEAN UNION: A review of weaknesses in the current European patent system
and their impact on the market access of generic medicines
Patents play an important role in modern society, encouraging the creation, dissemination and efficient exploitation of new technology.
Generic medicines play an equally important role in promoting pharmaceutical innovation, affordability and sustainability. Immediate market access of generic medicines after patent expiry is crucial to society.
When patents�of sometimes questionable quality�are misused merely to prevent others from innovating and competing, they can present a formidable barrier to entry onto the generic medicines market.
This report identifies some of the patent-related hurdles facing generic medicines in the European Union.
see the full report and presse release at
Best wishes
Kees de Joncheere
Regional Adviser Health Technology and Pharmaceuticals
WHO Regional office for Europe
8 Scherfigsvej, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
tel 45-39171432
fax 45-39171855
email cjo@euro.who.int
website http://www.euro.who.int/pharmaceuticals