As developing countries do not have enough vaccines for the new coronavirus, the WTO (World Trade Organization) is discussing whether to suspend patent rights for vaccines in order to expand supply.
In this regard, the US government has stated that it will review its existing policies and support the suspension of patent rights, and it will be watched whether talks will move forward.
The treatment of patents on vaccines is currently under discussion at the WTO, proposing to suspend patents temporarily so that South Africa and India are free to produce low-cost generic vaccines, and sufficient vaccines. Support is spreading among developing countries that have not been secured.
On the other hand, developed countries such as the United States and Europe, which have major pharmaceutical companies that developed vaccines, have shown a cautious stance that suspension of patent rights will hinder future technological innovation, and discussions have been difficult. ..
Under these circumstances, the Thai trade representative, who is in charge of trade policy under the Biden administration in the United States, said in a statement released on the 5th, "I support the suspension of patent rights to end the pandemic," and reviewed the policy so far. I have stated.
However, the WTO is unanimous in principle, and the Thai trade representative also points out that "given the complexity of the problem, negotiations will take time."
As the disparity in the spread of vaccines in the world widens and the opposition from developing countries intensifies, it will be watched whether other developed countries will support the suspension of patent rights as the United States approaches this time and discussions will proceed in the direction of suspension. ..
WHO welcomes
WHO = World Health Organization Secretary-General Tedros wrote on Twitter on the 5th, "It is a strong example of American leadership addressing the challenges of the global public," and welcomed it.
With the supply of the new coronavirus vaccine still inadequate, especially in developing countries, Secretary-General Tedros should temporarily suspend the protection of vaccine patents for widespread production around the world at a meeting in March. I insisted that.
Demonstrations calling for increased vaccine supply in Washington
Approximately 150 people gathered near the federal parliament in Washington, DC, on the 5th, demonstrating to expand vaccine supply to developing countries affected by the new coronavirus.
The gathered people picked up a placard with the words "Vaccine for everyone" and suspended the protection of patent rights related to vaccines in order to prevent the spread of infection so that vaccines could be produced even in developing countries. He said that he had to do it.
An Indian-American woman who participated in the demonstration said, "The United States has a great responsibility. We should release the patent for the vaccine so that it can be produced in other countries."
Organizations such as pharmaceutical companies "wrong solution"
The IFPMA International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers' Associations, which consists of pharmaceutical companies headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, said on the 5th that the US government would support the suspension of patent rights for vaccines. "The suspension of patent rights is the wrong solution to a complex problem," he said.
Furthermore, he said, "The suspension of vaccine patents does not increase production or provide practical measures to tackle the global health crisis." From issues such as the elimination of trade barriers and the shortage of vaccine raw materials. He points out that it can be distracting and confusing.