Negotiations for a trade deal between India and the UK have run into fresh controversy, after the proposals under a leaked chapter of the deal on intellectual property (IP) are believed to put access to affordable, lifesaving generic medicines from India at risk. According to the draft IP chapter put out by an international trade portal bilaterals.org, the UK is seeking continuous extension of patent period and rights through small tweaks in the drug, known as evergreening. This may prevent patents from expiring, impacting cheaper drug availability and its production by Indian generic drug manufacturers.
India had the third-largest number of people living with HIV in the world at the end of 2013 and accounts for about four out of 10 people living with HIV in the Asian region.
Lobby group tells USTR it has got assurance from India on compulsory licensing.
The United Nations estimates about one third of the world's 1.2 billion poorest people live in India
Company claims new use for kala jeera extract, provoking alarmed campaigners here and abroad; says reaction not based on facts.
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