Big Drug Company to Deny Poor People Life-saving Medicines
Urgent: giant drug company Novartis wants to make it tougher for poor people to get access to generic drugs, many of which combat HIV and related illnesses.
In poor countries, nearly 7 million people living with HIV and AIDS urgently need medicines. Half of those rely on less expensive generic medicines made in India.
But drug company Novartis is challenging Indian Patent Law in the courts. The next important court hearing is February 15.
If they win, millions of poor people may not get the life-sustaining HIV medicines they need. All the while, an already-wealthy drug company stands to make even more profits.
Millions of poor people in developing countries are dying because they can't afford the medicines they so desperately need! This case violates the promises made by the World Trade Organization (WTO) to make life-saving medicines available and affordable to all.
JOIN US IN TELLING NOVARTIS TO DROP THEIR LAWSUIT BEFORE THE NEXT COURT DATE.
Dear Dr. Vasella,
I am concerned that Novartis's actions in India contradict its stated commitment to "conscientious global citizenship." In the interest of public health and in order for medicines to be available and affordable for people in India and worldwide, I urge Novartis to:
1. Withdraw the appeal against the Indian Patent Office on the cancer medicine Glivec/Gleevec.
2. Withdraw the legal case it is pursuing seeking changes to the Indian Patent Law.
3. Publicly commit to the right of developing countries to provide cheaper medicines in the interests of public health.
[Your comment]
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]
