Brazilian Government Disposes On AIDS-Patent

The Brazilian Government (http://www.brazil.gov.br) is about to decide if it will break a patent of a leading drug, Kaletra, that fights against HIV. Brazil’s Health Ministry has issued an ultimatum against Abbot Laboratories (http://www.abbott.com ) that it must lower its prices or the government will give permission to begin manufacturing a generic cheaper version of the drug. Brazil’s stance is being watched closely by developing countries.

Kaletra is one of the most common drugs used against retroviruses, which are highly important in the treatment of HIV.

To date, Brazilian has purchased the drug from Abbot Laboratories and provided Kaletra to the country’s HIV patients for free.

Two weeks ago the Health Ministry said the price for the drug was too high.

It insisted that if the producer refused to lower the price, then Brazil would produce generic versions of Kaletra in a national laboratory. Brazil assumes the move would be in accordance with World Trade Organization rules(http://www.wto.org).

On Thursday negotiations between Brazil and Abbot Laboratories occurred, shortly after Abbott Laboratories presented an alternative plan which is currently being analyzed by the Brazilian Government.

If Brazil breaks the patent, it will save $50 million U.S. dollars per year.

According to Abbott Laboratories, it will offer Brazil the best price offer of a country outside of Africa.

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