[Pharmaceutical patents and public health: challenges for the Brazilian antiretroviral treatment policy].
The high prices of patented drugs have fueled the debate regarding the impact of the intellectual property system on access to treatment, with a special focus on HIV/AIDS. The Brazilian policy for antiretroviral treatment, part of a comprehensive program that includes both disease prevention and health promotion activities, has allowed the country to meet goals for coverage and quality and has been considered a model for other countries. However, as the Brazilian STD/AIDS Program reaches maturity, the increasing incorporation of patented drugs into the AIDS treatment regimen imposes an increasing burden on the country's health budget. This article discusses the public health challenges raised by pharmaceutical patents and discusses possible ways to sustain the national policy for free, universal access to HIV/AIDS treatment.
Meiners
Constance Marie Milward de Azevedo
CM
UMR 912 Sciences Economiques et Sociales, Systémes de Santé Sociétés, INSERM, IRD, Université Aix-Marseille, Marseille, France. const@uol.com.br
D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000191:economics; D001938:Brazil; D019049:Developed Countries; D003906:Developing Countries; D004345:Drug Industry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D006291:Health Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D018973:Intellectual Property; D038622:Internationality; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D010330:Patents as Topic / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D011634:Public Health / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control