Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #TRIPSwaiver
Most recents (24)
It's wild and bad that Biontech tried to get public mentions of #CTAP, a @WHO housed initiative to pool intellectual property, scrapped as "vaccine misinformation".
This is not the pharma's first bizarre anti-generics campaign. A quick bit of history.🧵1/
This is not the pharma's first bizarre anti-generics campaign. A quick bit of history.🧵1/
My 'favourite' absurd anti-generics lobbying story is the time PhRMA commissioned a novel about why generic medicines were bad.
It never was published because even the paid ghostwriters wouldn't take it as far as PhRMA wanted.
I wrote abt it here ⬇️2/
It never was published because even the paid ghostwriters wouldn't take it as far as PhRMA wanted.
I wrote abt it here ⬇️2/
The authors re-wrote a less terrible version, and PhRMA freaked out that it might be published / tried to get a court order to recall all copies.
The attention to detail is extreme, including getting CNN to get Larry King to recall a cover blurb. 3/
huffpost.com/entry/phrma-co…
The attention to detail is extreme, including getting CNN to get Larry King to recall a cover blurb. 3/
huffpost.com/entry/phrma-co…
Jan 2023 #Paxlovid costing update:🧵
9 months later, no real news.
❌generic supply is still not widely available
❌Pfizer is refusing to expand licensing
🥴no trial data on how it works in key populations
Updated cost-based estimated generic price: $15
scholar.harvard.edu/melissabarber/…
9 months later, no real news.
❌generic supply is still not widely available
❌Pfizer is refusing to expand licensing
🥴no trial data on how it works in key populations
Updated cost-based estimated generic price: $15
scholar.harvard.edu/melissabarber/…
Here's the top-line summary, using current prices of API traded in global markets.
#Paxlovid is $530 in the US. It has been reported that in China right now, desperate people have been paying as much as $7,000 to get it for their loved ones. 2/
reuters.com/business/healt…
#Paxlovid is $530 in the US. It has been reported that in China right now, desperate people have been paying as much as $7,000 to get it for their loved ones. 2/
reuters.com/business/healt…
Cost-based estimated generic prices use the price of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) traded in global markets, and a cost estimation algorithm we developed in earlier research (see gh.bmj.com/content/3/1/e0…)
Costs come down exponentially when there is competition, but.. 3/
Costs come down exponentially when there is competition, but.. 3/
Robert Habeck: "Nachdem ich nochmal intensiv mit den Unternehmen gesprochen habe, bin ich der Meinung, dass uns das nicht helfen würde." - This is huge 👇 #BioNTech #Pfizerdocuments #TripsWaiver
Okay, Politiker schützen Profite. Aber ich erinnere mich, dass große Teile der Medien und viele im Privaten genau diese Argumentation übernommen haben. Die sprangen dem Patentschutz bei, während einer Pandemie! Pharmalobby ist viel zu wirkmächtig. Danke für die Recherche.
Wichtig dabei: Die Bundesregierung beteiligte sind mit fast 400 Millionen Euro an der Entwicklung des Impfstoffs von Biontech/Pfizer. #patentetöten #PfizerGate #Pfizer
🧵 On Sunday, the much-postponed 12th WTO Ministerial Conference #MC12 starts.
Here is another curtain-raiser, with @BobWolfeSPS
@wto Director-General @NOIweala believes it will be a success.
But what does “success” mean?
1/11 tradebetablog.wordpress.com/2022/06/09/tou…
Here is another curtain-raiser, with @BobWolfeSPS
@wto Director-General @NOIweala believes it will be a success.
But what does “success” mean?
1/11 tradebetablog.wordpress.com/2022/06/09/tou…
“Many gaps remain but we are making progress,” @NOIweala told members on Tuesday Jun 7
“The success of this whole endeavour is in our hands. Let us deliver. The people outside are waiting for us and, believe it or not, I really think we will do it.”
2/11 wto.org/english/news_e…
“The success of this whole endeavour is in our hands. Let us deliver. The people outside are waiting for us and, believe it or not, I really think we will do it.”
2/11 wto.org/english/news_e…
Fingers crossed, there might even be a deal on fisheries subsidies, she and the talks’ chair @WillsSantiago said.
But despite “cautious optimism” WTO spokesperson Dan Pruzin warned journalists to expect ministers to meet late into the night at #MC12
3/11 tradebetablog.wordpress.com/2022/06/09/tou…
But despite “cautious optimism” WTO spokesperson Dan Pruzin warned journalists to expect ministers to meet late into the night at #MC12
3/11 tradebetablog.wordpress.com/2022/06/09/tou…
Incoming from @WTO: DG has called 4 a meeting of Heads of the Delegation to negotiate #TRIPSwaiver txt from 1.30 to 5.30 CET today.
Will DG put developing countries in duress to accept unjustifiable demands of EU, UK and Switzerland by saying it is a package? @NOIweala
Will DG put developing countries in duress to accept unjustifiable demands of EU, UK and Switzerland by saying it is a package? @NOIweala
@wto watchers of the south and allies need to be alert! We have to hold @NOIweala accountable if she takes anti-south positions.
@3rdworldnetwork
@South_Centre
@pritikrishtel
@sarahboseley
@jamie_love
@G2H2_Geneva
@PHMglobal
@nirmalyasyam
@ashleighfurlong
@DrRimmer
@3rdworldnetwork
@South_Centre
@pritikrishtel
@sarahboseley
@jamie_love
@G2H2_Geneva
@PHMglobal
@nirmalyasyam
@ashleighfurlong
@DrRimmer
We are probably in the last phase. A year back we even doubted the possibility of whatever success we have today. So lets stand together and see through #TRIPSwaiver to be an uncompromised text.
@nithinramakris @MSF @Winnie_Byanyima @GiveEvery1AShot @AdyBarkan @pretpat @gargeyaT
@nithinramakris @MSF @Winnie_Byanyima @GiveEvery1AShot @AdyBarkan @pretpat @gargeyaT
We’ve seen disastrous inequities in access to medical products during the COVID-19 pandemic. The UK Government stress that they will do everything they can to ensure better access for all – so why are they still blocking proposals that could help tackle these issues?
🧵
🧵
💥TODAY💥 we have signed on to this open-letter to the UK government criticising its position and what has been a deeply flawed consultation process with us and other UK civil society organisations on the #TRIPSwaiver negotiations.
@annietrev @SimonManleyFCDO
Here is why:
@annietrev @SimonManleyFCDO
Here is why:
Since the UK and a small number of other wealthy countries blocked the original #TRIPSwaiver proposal, negotiations have focused on a new proposal tabled by the @wto Director General, in a bid to reach consensus. This new proposal is seriously problematic: msfaccess.org/sites/default/…
WTO members on all sides were urged today to sort out their reservations over the proposed compromise, so that a deal on waiving some intellectual property protection for COVID-19 can be struck by the Jun 12-15 Ministerial Conference, trade sources say.
1/14 #TRIPSwaiver
1/14 #TRIPSwaiver
In an informal meeting of the WTO intellectual property (TRIPS) council, Director-General @NOIweala said WTO members have no option but to produce a result for the #MC12 Ministerial Conference, even if that means negotiating round the clock, the sources said.
2/14
2/14
Today's meeting was held to take stock of the first two days of real negotiations on the compromise text⬇️, on Mon&Wed, May 16&18. During those sessions, @NOIweala urged delegates to be prepared to compromise: "the perfect is the enemy of the good"
3/14 tradebetablog.wordpress.com/text-g4-trips-…
3/14 tradebetablog.wordpress.com/text-g4-trips-…
#TRIPSwaiver ಎಂದರೆ ಕೋವಿಡ್ ಸಂಬಂಧಿತ ಔಷಧಿ ಮತ್ತು ಚಿಕಿತ್ಸೆಗೆ ಅಗತ್ಯವಿರುವ ಔಷಧಿ ಮತ್ತು ಉಪಕರಣಗಳ ಮೇಲೆ ಸ್ವಾಮ್ಯ ಸನ್ನದು (ಪೇಟೆಂಟ್) ಮತ್ತು ಇತರ ಬೌದ್ಧಿಕ ಆಸ್ತಿ ಹಕ್ಕುಗಳ ಕಾನೂನನ್ನು ಸಡಿಲಗೊಳಿಸಬೇಕೆಂದು ಜಾಗತಿಕ ವೇದಿಕೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾರತ ಮತ್ತು ಆಫ್ರಿಕಾದಂತಹ ದೇಶಗಳು ಇಟ್ಟಿರುವ ಬೇಡಿಕೆ.
ಬಹುತೇಕ ಮಂದಿ ಲಸಿಕೆ ಪಡೆದಿದ್ದರೂ,
ಬಹುತೇಕ ಮಂದಿ ಲಸಿಕೆ ಪಡೆದಿದ್ದರೂ,
ಹೊಸ ತಳಿಗಳ ಚಿಕಿತ್ಸೆಗೆ ಮತ್ತು ಇನ್ನೂ ಲಸಿಕೆ ಪಡೆಯದಿರುವ ಜನರಿರುವ ದೇಶಗಳಿಗೆ ಇದು ದೊಡ್ಡ ಮಟ್ಟದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಹಾಯ ಮಾಡುತ್ತದೆ. ಆ ಕುರಿತು ಭಾರತ, ಆಫ್ರಿಕಾ, ಯುರೋಪಿಯನ್ ಒಕ್ಕೂಟ ಮತ್ತು ಅಮೆರಿಕಾದ ನಡುವಿನ ಅನೌಪಚಾರಿಕ ಚರ್ಚೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹೊರ ಹೊಮ್ಮಿರುವ ಪ್ರಸ್ತಾಪ #TRIPSwaiver ಉದ್ದೇಶವನ್ನೇ ಅರ್ಥಹೀನ ಮಾಡುವಂತದ್ದು.
ಹಲವಾರು ತಾಂತ್ರಿಕ ಒಡಕುಗಳನ್ನೊಳಗೊಂಡ ಪ್ರಸ್ತಾಪ, ಭಾರತವೂ ಒಳಗೊಂಡ ಮೂರನೇ ವಿಶ್ವದ ದೇಶಗಳಿಗೆ ಯಾವ ರೀತಿಯ ಉಪಯೋಗವೂ ಇಲ್ಲ. ಇಂತದೊಂದು ಪ್ರಸ್ತಾಪಕ್ಕೆ ಭಾರತ ಹ್ಞೂಗುಟ್ಟುವುದು ನಮ್ಮ ಕಾಲ ಮೇಲೆ ನಾವೇ ಚಪ್ಪಡಿ ಕಲ್ಲು ಹಾಕಿಕೊಂಡಂತೆ. ಇದರ ಕುರಿತು ಪತ್ರಿಕೆಗಳೂ, ಸುದ್ದಿಮನೆಗಳೂ ಅಷ್ಟು ತಲೆ ಕೆಡಿಸಿಕೊಂಡಂತಿಲ್ಲ.
Some initial thoughts on the compromise text produced by India, the EU, South Africa and the US, allowing most developing countries to suspend some patent rights for COVID-19 vaccines.
In this ⬇️: Broad implications (pandemic, WTO), and specifics
1/5 tradebetablog.wordpress.com/2022/03/17/qua…
In this ⬇️: Broad implications (pandemic, WTO), and specifics
1/5 tradebetablog.wordpress.com/2022/03/17/qua…
The text itself is here⬇️. It’s still unofficial, still has to be considered, approved and possibly amended by the WTO’s full membership. Any decision will be by consensus.
We still speak of the #TRIPSwaiver, but it's now a “decision”, not a waiver.
2/5 tradebetablog.wordpress.com/text-g4-trips-…
We still speak of the #TRIPSwaiver, but it's now a “decision”, not a waiver.
2/5 tradebetablog.wordpress.com/text-g4-trips-…
This⬇️ is what the blog post covers.
Legal drafting often baffles me. Why is the definition of countries that can use the decision buried in a footnote? The one that implies China cannot use it but India can?
3/5 tradebetablog.wordpress.com/2022/03/17/qua…
Legal drafting often baffles me. Why is the definition of countries that can use the decision buried in a footnote? The one that implies China cannot use it but India can?
3/5 tradebetablog.wordpress.com/2022/03/17/qua…
🔴 1/3 @OTMeds partage l'inquiétude et les critiques de @MSF_access et de nos autres partenaires sur le "compromis" potentiel autour du #TRIPSwaiver : que de temps perdu pour un dispositif qui risque d'être inefficace si les États membre de l'OMC ne l'améliorent pas :
...
...
2/3
- l'accord doit inclure les tests et les traitements anti-COVID, et non les seuls vaccins.
- les restrictions géographiques excluant des pays avec des capacités géographiques doivent être retirées de la version définitive de l'accord.
- l'accord doit inclure les tests et les traitements anti-COVID, et non les seuls vaccins.
- les restrictions géographiques excluant des pays avec des capacités géographiques doivent être retirées de la version définitive de l'accord.
3/3 Enfin, toutes les barrières de propriété intellectuelle doivent être levées : les brevets en sont un aspect important, mais pas le seul.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was raised on Day 2 of the WTO General Council today
A number of countries prefaced their statements under various agenda items by expressing concern about violation of sovereignty, territoriality and the rule of law
1/4
A number of countries prefaced their statements under various agenda items by expressing concern about violation of sovereignty, territoriality and the rule of law
1/4
WTO spokesman Keith Rockwell said they included Australia, Canada, Colombia, EU, Georgia, Japan, Rep. Korea, Mexico, Norway, New Zealand, UK, US
Russia said the WTO was not the place to discuss this
2/4 docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/S…
Russia said the WTO was not the place to discuss this
2/4 docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/S…
On the deadlocked #TRIPSWaiver⬇️, more countries expressed concern about the attempt to break the deadlock among 4 key players: India, EU, SAfrica and US—mainly a complaint that they were not being informed about what was happening in the small group.
3/4
3/4
A formal meeting of the WTO intellectual property (TRIPS) council this afternoon heard reports from an attempt by four members (EU, India, SAfrica, US) to break the deadlock over waiving the obligation to protect some intellectual property for COVID-19 (the #TRIPSwaiver)
1/10
1/10
WTO deputy head @_AnabelG who is coordinating (with DG @NOIweala) with the group of 4 said the talks have been difficult but she hoped a compromise could be possible.
One approach explored is to separate vaccines from diagnostics and therapeutics. (Why? Explained in 9/10)
2/10
One approach explored is to separate vaccines from diagnostics and therapeutics. (Why? Explained in 9/10)
2/10
The EU—said it was looking for a bridge between waiver-advocates and its own position to make flexibilities in WTO rules as easy to use.
The US—repeated its broad support for the waiver (but so far with no specifics), and that it is working with members to find a solution
3/10
The US—repeated its broad support for the waiver (but so far with no specifics), and that it is working with members to find a solution
3/10
70 presidents and prime ministers from Europe and Africa are arriving right now for day 2 of the #EUAUSummit in Brussels.
The big-picture geopolitical context: #Europe is trying to convince #Africa to choose them as a partner instead of #China.
The big-picture geopolitical context: #Europe is trying to convince #Africa to choose them as a partner instead of #China.
European and African leaders have just held a press conference announcing a compromise on the issue of #Covid19Vaccines and IP rights.
The EU will set up technology transfer hubs in Africa to scale up production. But this falls short of the #TRIPSwaiver African countries wanted.
The EU will set up technology transfer hubs in Africa to scale up production. But this falls short of the #TRIPSwaiver African countries wanted.
"We’re doing this in the right order," insists Macron.
"We first donated doses, now we’re launching these technology transfer hubs so we can develop the manufacturing sites for MRNA manufacture...Then we need the purchasing commitment."
"We first donated doses, now we’re launching these technology transfer hubs so we can develop the manufacturing sites for MRNA manufacture...Then we need the purchasing commitment."
A few months ago, the supporters of pharma monopolies were telling us that the global vaccine shortage would be over soon.
They said the same thing a few months before that.
And a few months before that.
Meanwhile, today, BILLIONS of people still have not had one jab yet.
They said the same thing a few months before that.
And a few months before that.
Meanwhile, today, BILLIONS of people still have not had one jab yet.
From the beginning, the EU & UK have been blocking & delaying wider vaccine production globally by obstructing the #TRIPSwaiver, a proposal at the World Trade Organization to temporarily waive some intellectual property rules on vaccines & other health products.
The science says we should make as many doses as possible to vaccinate as many people as possible as quickly as possible.
The EU & UK reject the science.
Instead, they block wider vaccine production to boost pharma monopoly profits.
bbc.com/news/health-60…
The EU & UK reject the science.
Instead, they block wider vaccine production to boost pharma monopoly profits.
bbc.com/news/health-60…
The science says we should make as many vaccines as possible & get them to as many people as possible as quickly as possible.
But leaders in the EU & UK reject the science.
They have been blocking wider vaccine production globally from the beginning.
bbc.com/news/health-60…
But leaders in the EU & UK reject the science.
They have been blocking wider vaccine production globally from the beginning.
bbc.com/news/health-60…
From the beginning, the EU & UK have been blocking & delaying wider vaccine production globally by obstructing the #TRIPSwaiver at the World Trade Organization, a proposal to temporarily waive some intellectual property (IP) rules on vaccines & other health products.
TRILLIONS in economic damage.
BILLIONS of people unable to get even one vaccine dose.
MILLIONS dead from Covid.
THOUSANDS of doctors & health experts demanding change.
ONE vile policy to block wider vaccine production during a global pandemic.
We need a #PeoplesVaccine.
BILLIONS of people unable to get even one vaccine dose.
MILLIONS dead from Covid.
THOUSANDS of doctors & health experts demanding change.
ONE vile policy to block wider vaccine production during a global pandemic.
We need a #PeoplesVaccine.
Just found out #Pfizer made $37bn on its vaccine last year. The most lucrative drug in history. Sales have doubled Pfizer’s revenue to $81 billion. If Pfizer were a country it would have the 66th largest GDP, ahead of Ethiopia & Luxembourg. #PeoplesVaccine🧵1/
Pfizer is expecting to bring in $54 billion in Covid-19 revenue next year from its vaccine and pill. The total amount they will make on their vaccine and treatment is truly mind-blowing. 2/ cnbc.com/2022/02/08/cov…
Last week Covax, the body supposed to ensure fairer distribution of vaccines, said it was out of money and needed $5 billion to pay for syringes and other urgent supplies – that’s a mere 1/7 of Pfizer’s vaccine revenue last year. 3/ independent.co.uk/news/health/pf…
On some things, it's like Brexit never happened…
Johnson & von der Leyen have the same policy of blocking wider vaccine production globally to boost pharma monopoly profits, prolonging the pandemic.
☠️ more death
☠️ more suffering
☠️ more time for new variants to emerge
Johnson & von der Leyen have the same policy of blocking wider vaccine production globally to boost pharma monopoly profits, prolonging the pandemic.
☠️ more death
☠️ more suffering
☠️ more time for new variants to emerge
I think the fact that they both have the same deadly policy has made the push to end this madness more difficult.
People in the UK & EU got so entrenched in positions of "hoorah for brexit Britain" or "the EU is the sane one here" that neither side would ever want to admit that both the UK & the EU can be wrong - that they can both have the same deadly policy.
The @EU_Commission has been keeping its dealings with pharma monopolies secret to try to hide the fact that they are prioritising pharma profits over the needs of humanity: literally blocking wider vaccine production globally to restrict supply during a global pandemic.
The arrogance of the @EU_commission in trying to hide what it's doing is bad.
What it's trying to hide is even worse...
What it's trying to hide is even worse...
For nearly 16 months, the EU has been blocking & delaying wider vaccine production globally by obstructing the #TRIPSwaiver, a proposal to temporarily lift some intellectual property rules on vaccines & other health products.
Twitter Poll:
WHY is the EU blocking wider vaccine production of vaccines globally & thus prolonging the pandemic for everyone?
WHY are they subjecting the world to more death & suffering and giving the virus more time to create new variants?
WHY is the EU blocking wider vaccine production of vaccines globally & thus prolonging the pandemic for everyone?
WHY are they subjecting the world to more death & suffering and giving the virus more time to create new variants?
Background reading threads on all three:
Profits over humanity:
Millions will die for a few new football pitches in Mainz, Germany:
Neocolonialism:
Profits over humanity:
Millions will die for a few new football pitches in Mainz, Germany:
Neocolonialism:
Welcome to our future, thanks to the EU, UK and Switzerland, which continue to throttle vaccine production globally by obstructing the #TRIPSwaiver at the WTO.
In blocking wider vaccine production globally, EU & UK take a neocolonialist approach to the pandemic, saying:
❗️ we're in charge;
❗️ we decide who lives & dies;
❗️ we may give you some charity later if we feel generous & if you behave.
It’s arrogant & self-destructive.
❗️ we're in charge;
❗️ we decide who lives & dies;
❗️ we may give you some charity later if we feel generous & if you behave.
It’s arrogant & self-destructive.
From the beginning, the EU & UK have been blocking wider vaccine production globally by obstructing the #TRIPSwaiver, a proposal at the World Trade Organization to temporarily waive some intellectual property rules on vaccines & other health products.
EU & UK leaders have adopted this policy to boost pharma monopoly profits.
They know it will prolong the pandemic & lead to more deaths & suffering.
They know it gives more time for new variants to emerge.
But profits come first, so the policy is: enforce vaccine shortage.
They know it will prolong the pandemic & lead to more deaths & suffering.
They know it gives more time for new variants to emerge.
But profits come first, so the policy is: enforce vaccine shortage.
This kind of sledgehammer does not seem like a sensible way to convince the as-yet unconvinced: euobserver.com/tickers/154153
Vaccine mandates can be a key tool in dampening the pandemic, but they must get the nuances right & be rooted in a broader strategy: hrw.org/news/2021/10/0…
Vaccine mandates can be a key tool in dampening the pandemic, but they must get the nuances right & be rooted in a broader strategy: hrw.org/news/2021/10/0…
And while mandating vaccines at home, #Austria, as part of the EU, is blocking wider vaccine production globally by obstructing the #TRIPSwaiver, a proposal to temporarily waive some intellectual property rules on vaccines & other health products, so BILLIONS now CANNOT get a jab
#Austria’s policy is the EU’s policy, because the European Commission negotiates on behalf of the EU at the World Trade Organization, where the EU is protecting pharma monopolies by blocking the #TRIPSwaiver. Austria could try to change the EU's deadly policy via the EU Council.
My friend asked me for 10 euros, saying it was a matter of life & death...
🧵 1/
🧵 1/
I know his situation. He's not exaggerating. It really is a matter of life & death.
2/
2/
So, I gave him 38 cents.
3/
3/
Some small, pro-death rallies took place in a few EU member states at the weekend: euobserver.com/tickers/154100
But the biggest support for the deadly virus continues to come from the EU's policy of blocking wider vaccine production globally: politico.eu/article/vaccin…
But the biggest support for the deadly virus continues to come from the EU's policy of blocking wider vaccine production globally: politico.eu/article/vaccin…
Yes, the EU & its member states are supporting widespread vaccination at home but blocking it globally.
Billions of people around the world have not had even one shot yet, in large part because of the global vaccine shortage the EU enforces at the World Trade Organization.
Billions of people around the world have not had even one shot yet, in large part because of the global vaccine shortage the EU enforces at the World Trade Organization.
For over 15 months, the EU has been blocking wider vaccine production globally by obstructing the #TRIPSwaiver, a proposal at the WTO to temporarily waive some intellectual property rules on vaccines & other health products.
But WHY would the EU, led by Germany in this, continue to block wider vaccine production globally. During a global pandemic! That’s just crazy, isn’t it?
For 99.9% of humanity, yes.
For a few selected parts of Germany however…
theguardian.com/world/2021/dec…
For 99.9% of humanity, yes.
For a few selected parts of Germany however…
theguardian.com/world/2021/dec…
It’s very nice that the city of Mainz is able to balance its books. Not sure it’s worth the countless deaths that will result from the Germany/EU policy of blocking wider vaccine production globally to protect pharma monopoly profits. But, yeah, Mainz politicians are happy. 👍
For two years, the leaders of rich governments have been pretending they can fight a global pandemic by thinking locally & nationally. This is just one, particularly egregious, example.
