WHO’s recommendation on dolutegravir undermined by patent barriers
WHO’s recommendation on dolutegravir undermined by patent barriers
All countries immediately should adopt dolutegravir-based regimens as the preferred first-line treatment for HIV. This is what World Health Organisation recommended, at the 10th IAS Conference on HIV Science last July. However, unless urgent action is taken, the WHO’s recommendation is likely to be undermined by patent barriers in upper middle income countries.
Why a compulsory license
Forty-nine upper middle income countries excluded from voluntary licenses issued by ViiV Healthcare must act now in order to access dolutegravir (DTG). Twelve of these countries must issue a compulsory license: Algeria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Colombia, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Romania, Russia, and Turkey. A compulsory license is an authorization issued by governments allowing the manufacture or import of generic versions of a patented medicine.
The International Treatment Preparedness Coalition (ITPC) and the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+) urge the 12 countries to exercise their right to use a compulsory license, which is a legal procedure authorized by international agreements and national laws. A compulsory license will allow these countries to access more affordable generic versions of DTG, and to comply with WHO recommendations.
Time for action is now
Aidsfonds supports ITPC and GNP+ in their call to:
- the governments of: Algeria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Colombia, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Romania, Russia, and Turkey to issue compulsory licences on all patents covering DTG;
- other upper middle income countries excluded from the voluntary licenses that have no patent barriers to immediately start procurement for generic DTG and DTG-based combinations.
Treatment CANNOT depend on where you live - Rico Gustav, Executive Director of GNP+
Updated WHO guidelines
Based on new evidence assessing benefits and risks, WHO recommends the use of the HIV drug dolutegravir (DTG) as the preferred first-line and second-line treatment for all populations, including women of reproductive age. DTG is a drug that is more effective, easier to take and has fewer side effects than alternative drugs that are currently used. DTG also has a high genetic barrier to developing drug resistance.