IP: Canada Overrides Patent for Cipro to Treat Anthrax

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

[ I hope we don't need the drugs but the fact  our government refuses to 
order cheap generics bothers me. I hope Bayer does not contribute to any 
election pots.  djf]


Canada, taking an unusual step that the United States has resisted, said 
yesterday that it had overridden Bayer's patent for Cipro, an antibiotic to 
treat anthrax, and ordered a million tablets of a generic version from a 
Canadian company.

"These are extraordinary and unusual times," said Paige Raymond Kovach, a 
spokeswoman for Health Canada. "Canadians expect and demand that their 
government will take all steps necessary to protect their health and safety."

But Cipro's manufacturer, Bayer A.G. (news/quote), condemned the move and 
said it could meet the demand for Cipro on its own.

The White House said it was unmoved by Canada's action and was not 
considering breaking Bayer's patent. "We don't feel there's a need to lift 
the patent at this time," said Anthony T. Jewell, a spokesman at the 
Department of Health and Human Services. "Multiple drugs can be used to 
treat anthrax, and Bayer has assured us that it can meet our demand for Cipro

<snip>

http://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/19/business/19CANA.html


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