India resists regional pact that could limit drug, vaccine access

NEW DELHI: India stood firm during the latest round of negotiations for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), held in Singapore this week, opposing proposals of data exclusivity and patent term extension, which could hinder global access to cheap generic drugs and life-saving vaccines.

The move also assumes significance because these measures being pushed under the proposed free trade agreement — mainly by Japan and South Korea — have potential to push prices of medicines by blocking supply of low-cost generic drugs.

“The pressure from the governments of Japan and Korea has been consistent as they are pushing for measures that would extend broader intellectual property (IP) protection and data exclusivity adding another layer of regulatory barriers for Indian generic producers which are supplying low cost medicines to the world,” says Leena Menghaney, Head, South Asia, MSF Access Campaign.

If India decides to sign the agreement, it can curtail introduction of not only new drugs but also newer formulations as multinational pharmaceutical corporations will get power through broader intellectual property protection to hinder competition and trade in life-saving generic medicines and vaccines.