Several nations have proposed an amendment to TRIPs that would give nations a right to profit-sharing from patents obtained as a result of research into biological material found in their nations. More background here.

On a slightly different topic, I commented to a journalist the other day that on the one hand the interest in keeping research into native remedies and material inside the nation of origin was a sign of progress. Twenty years ago many of these nations would have been too mired in poverty, political disorder, war, or famine to even think of conducting research. So now that they see a higher standard of living finally within their grasp. But one cannot simply reach out and gain wealth by seizing it! It will not work. The capital will slip through their fingers and flow elsewhere. Once there is a substantial base of research scientists and some good patent attorneys within a country, a desire for reciprocity will help restrain unprincipled grabs for loot. But the transition is tricky.

posted by Solveig Singleton @ 7:58 AM | International, Patents, Pharma

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