Oxfam, Doctors Without Borders Respond to Glaxo SmithKline CEO in Continuing Drug Patent Dialogue
"According to Jean-Pierre Garnier ... patents do not have the effect of increasing prices," Phil Bloomer, head of advocacy for Oxfam International, writes in a Guardian op-ed in response to an op-ed by the GlaxoSmithKline CEO that appeared in the Guardian on Wednesday. If this is so, "why until recently was his company selling the antiAIDS drug Combivir in developing countries at twice the price of a generic equivalent?," he continues. "Does Mr. Garnier believe the central laws of economics (i.e. higher price produces less demand) are suspended in markets for drugs?" Bloomer asks. "For poor households, the difference in price between patented and generic drugs is often -- quite literally -- the difference between life and death," he writes. "As a global leader, Mr. Garnier recognizes that GSK has global responsibilities. He has made welcome pledges to make
This is part of the KHN Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.
