All Press Releases for March 18, 2011

Medical Innovation Protection Stressed in EU-India Free Trade Agreement Talks

Global Health Progress highlights the need for intellectual property to protect medical innovation and research.



    WASHINGTON, DC, March 18, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Financial Express published an article on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks that continue between the European Union (EU) and India. One of the most discussed and disagreed upon parts of the proposed FTA involves the need for protecting the intellectual property of pharmaceutical companies in order to promote medical innovation and investment in the development of new medicines and research. This disagreement about whether data exclusivity in the pharmaceutical sector should be included has resulted in the delay of finalizing the FTA.

Pharmaceutical companies rely on data exclusivity to protect the investment made in developing the medication that is used throughout the world. Millions of dollars are spent on clinical trials to prove the safety and effectiveness of these drugs. These exclusive rights prevent competitors from obtaining marketing licenses for lower cost versions of these drugs.

Global Health Progress (GHP) is committed to being part of the effort to create a sustainable health care system that includes improving access to health care and continuing medical innovation and progress for all people. While the pharma industry is divided on the issue, GHP supports efforts to improve regulations protecting pharmaceutical companies' intellectual property. Without this protection, the funding of studies that bring these medications to market could suffer.

Improving health care systems and access to medicines, especially in the developing world, requires multifaceted approaches and solutions. Research-based biopharmaceutical companies are active partners in some of the largest and boldest health initiatives that explore new and effective ways to provide treatment, care and education to millions of people in developing countries.

About Global Health Progress:
Global Health Progress also supports efforts to raise awareness and mobilize resources to address health challenges in the developing world by bringing local leaders together with international health experts, policymakers, donor governments, and the private sector. www.globalhealthprogress.org, http://twitter.com/globalhealth, www.facebook.com/pages/Global-Health-Progress/124850684219049, www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=2972068

To stay informed on the latest news about global investment in pharmaceutical R&D and improving access to medicines, sign up to receive special alerts and newsletters. You can also spread the word about the efforts of the Global Health Progress initiative and keep others informed about how we're affecting change around the world or share your story about how you or someone you know is working to promote global health.

# # #

Contact Information

Mark Grayson
Global Health Progress
Washington, DC
United States
Voice: (202) 835-3460
E-Mail: Email Us Here
Website: Visit Our Website