SPOTLIGHT: Thailand skirts Plavix patent

Thailand's health ministry has decided to import a generic version [1] of the heart drug Plavix from India, even though the Schering Plough drug is still under patent. Made by M-Cure, the pills will be imported using compulsory licensing, a World Trade Organization waiver that allows developing nations to bypass drug patents when they have no means to pay for branded versions of necessary drugs. Previously, the Thai government had invoked compulsory licensing for two anti-HIV agents. E.U. and U.S. officials protested the Plavix decision. Report [2]