(no subject)

[nfotxn]

Brazil Breaks Patent to Make AIDS Drug

I may be biased, but I think this is justified. I'm sure roche has paid for it's research and turned a healthy profit on the drug in north America. Then again, it could give them less incentive to make future drugs.

Tough call.

Comments

[mathan.livejournal.com]

I think they're justified too. People need these drugs and the companies, while they do need money to continue future research, some of the profits these companies make is extraordinary.

Brazil saves 75% of the money they could be spending on these drugs by doing this.

Although this is the first time they have used their policy against a manufacturer for drugs related to managing HIV.

[bingobear25.livejournal.com]

sitting on the fence... several issues here.

People need the drugs - that's a given.

Manufacturers need to make a profit both to stay in business and pay for continuing Research and Development.

but think of this...
The flu vaccine this year will be scarce. Why? Only a few companies continue to make it due to expense and liability issues, not to mention the difficulty in manufacturing. What will happen when making the drug is not worth the effort?