GlaxoSmithKline Lays Out Patent Plan to Help Poor Countries
GlaxoSmithKline said on Thursday it would adopt a graduated approach to patenting its medicines, depending on the wealth of different countries, in order to make drugs more affordable in the developing world.
Britain's biggest drugmaker will not file patents for its drugs in the world's poorest states, leaving the way clear for generic companies to make cheap copies, Chief Executive Andrew Witty said.
For lower middle income countries, GSK will seek patents but it aims to strike license deals that allow supplies of generic versions of its medicines for 10 years.
Britain's biggest drugmaker will not file patents for its drugs in the world's poorest states, leaving the way clear for generic companies to make cheap copies, Chief Executive Andrew Witty said.
For lower middle income countries, GSK will seek patents but it aims to strike license deals that allow supplies of generic versions of its medicines for 10 years.