Orphan diseases

If the TRIPS PLUS ULTRA proposal were implemented, it could pave the way for more changes, since the developing countries would not see the system quite as pernicious as they see it today. These changes could help the developing world in a big way.

Up next a quote from a paper that addresses the issue of orphan diseases and how it could be resolved with the implementation of the TRIPS PLUS ULTRA proposal:

“The only way for new drugs to be developed for orphan or tropical diseases is for investments on these drugs to be rewarded. Only developing countries’ markets could do so. A deep study of the relevant market for these kinds of diseases should be provided to reach necessary conclusions, but these potential markets could be attractive enough if the conditions for reward are improved. Developing countries have been advised to award compulsory licenses, establish exemptions to the patentability, and be very strict with patent examinations. As the system is now conceived, this was probably the wise way to act, although it did not create an incentive for investment in needed areas. This consideration could be extended to innovation other than drugs, but the need is not felt so strongly elsewhere. If the previous is acknowledged by developing countries and the system ceases to be perceived as harmful (or at least to be perceived as unequally harmful), the path to further consensus could be opened.”