Kris Khaira

The Third World Network just sent me this:

Dear friends and colleagues,

RE: Thailand Issues Compulsory Licence to Buy Plavix Generics from India

We wish to bring to your attention that Thailand has once again issued a compulsory licence to break a patent in order to provide affordable medicine to its people.

The Thai government has decided to import a generic version of the heart drug Plavix from India under compulsory licensing, which will cost 1.01 baht per tablet as compared to 70 baht a tablet for the patented drug available on the market. The drug will be supplied by the Indian company M-cure. Patent for Plavix is held by Sanofi Aventis.

Previously, Thailand has issued compulsory licences for two key Aids drugs, Efavirenz and Kaletra and has begun importing cheaper versions of Efavirenz from India.

The government has justified breaking the patents for the drugs, held by Western pharmaceutical companies, by citing budget constraints in providing advanced medication for people living with HIV/Aids. Abbott Laboratories holds the patent for Kaletra while Efavirenz is patented by MSD.

Best wishes,
Third World Network
2-1, Jalan 31/70A
Desa Sri Hartamas
50480 Kuala Lumpur

Congratulations, Thailand, for putting people above patents.