Colombia's health minister has asked the country's Patent Office to approve an antiretroviral drug, Durutevir (dolutegravir) Issue of compulsory licence, The drug is still sold by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) subordinateViiV HealthcareThe company's patent protection.

Guillermo, Minister of Health and Social Security．Alfonso．Jaramillo (Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo) Published a copy "Public interest statement" , Said he took the step to enable the country to import cheaper anti-HIV drugs (HIV) Generic drug.

The minister said, HIVInfected people pay monthly100The medicine in dollars, It's more expensive than the generic version provided by the Pan American Health Organization50times.

Colombian government estimates, 28The cost for a person to use the generic drug dulutevir is the same as it currently costs for a person to use the patented drug.

In the past year, ColombianHIVThe number of infections has increased31%, At present about18410People are infectedHIV. In addition, The country has also seen an influx of VenezuelansHIVInfected person.

Compulsory licensing allows the competent national authority to license a third party to produce a generic version of a patented drug before the patent expires.

According to the World Trade Organization (WTO) "Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) " , The government can issue compulsory licences where it is in the public interest.

Could set a precedent for the region

The Department of Health120The move came after several civil society organizations and prominent figures applied to Jaramillo for a compulsory license.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) According to, Durutewe isHIVThe drug of choice for the infected. Other countries have access to drug patent pools (MPP) A voluntary license to obtain a generic version of Durutevir.

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) According to, "In connection withMPPSigned voluntary license, ViiV HealthcareExcluding Colombia and many populous middle-income countries, It maintained its monopoly position in these countries and its ability to charge high prices. Colombia's announcement could help open the way for neighboring countries like Brazil, So they can also get cheaper generic drugs. The Colombian Patent Office is expected to issue a compulsory license based on the declaration. "

MSFGet sports Medicine Innovation Policy consultant Francisco．Vegas (Francisco Viegas) According to, Declaration of Colombia "A compelling case has been made for granting a compulsory licence, And asked the Colombian Patent Office to issue a compulsory license, So that patients could have access to a generic version of Durotuvir at a low price" .

Vegas added: "This entirely legal action by the Colombian government is the first of its kind in Colombia, It was an important act of leadership, Clearly putting people's and public health ahead of corporate profits. We also urge other countries struggling to supply Durutewe to follow Colombia's example, Like Brazil, Although the country is capable of producing Durutewe, But production was halted due to patent issues. Brazil issues compulsory licenses, Give people access to cheaper generic drugs, This will change dramaticallyHIVThe lives of infected people. "

Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Andrea, head of the Andean country．Bocadi．Vidat (Andrea Boccardi Vidarte) Said in a statement: "This decision is a milestone for public health in Colombia. "

UNAIDSWill pass through the place, Regional and global offices, Continue to support the Government of Colombia in implementing this landmark decision.

ViiV HealthcareIt's GlaxoSmithKline, A joint venture between Pfizer and Shionogi, Specialize inHIVTreatment of. (Be compiled fromhealthpolicy-watch. news)

TRANSLATORS: Rason group　proofread: Liu Peng



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