EU criticises US response to TRIPS deal on generics

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution that 'deplores' the American refusal to strike a deal at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) talks on licensing generic drugs in developing countries facing health crises. MEPs criticised the US for 'favouring a unilateral solution and a narrow list of medicines for which WTO intellectual property rules would be waived'. They also called for the creation of a permanent European register of medicines destined for developing countries under commercial agreements, to improve controls.

In an earlier debate, EU trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy said he wanted agreement at the talks to be based on proposals discussed at the WTO TRIPs (trade related aspects of intellectual property rights) council held on 16 December, without allowing derogations. He also called for the World Health Organisation to be consulted over the problem.