Multi-Sectoral Coalition Criticizes House and Senate Bickering over Death of Cheaper Meds Bill

                             

 9 JUNE 2007 

“Endless bickering and blaming will not resolve the lack of accessible and affordable medicines for the public. The House of Representatives should have sincerely prioritized the passage of the Cheaper Medicines Bill during the previous 13^th Congress.” Edeliza Hernandez, Coordinator of Cut the Cost, Cut the Pain Network (3CPNet) said.

Hernandez comment was in response to the existing debate over who should be held accountable for the death of HB 6035 or the Cheaper Medicines Bill. Iloilo Representatives Ferjenel Biron and Janette Garin reportedly blamed Senator Mar Roxas in a press conference this week over his alleged opposition to the house version of the said bill.

“The reality was that, instead of focusing on bills protecting the peoples right to health, our congressmen were more interested in passing bills that serves their own interest such as the PAGCOR extension bill”. Hernandez added. 

House Bill No. 6035 later known as the Cheaper Medicines Bill, sought to amend patent provisions of the Intellectual Property Code. Amended provisions includes the parallel importation of cheaper patented medicines, the early development and manufacturing of generic versions of patented medicines and the ability of the government to issue compulsory licenses to generic drug manufacturers in situations of public health emergency among others.

“Our Constitution clearly states that Congress should prioritize bills that would uphold human rights and the peoples’ welfare. However, the non-passage of H.B. No. 6035, proves once again that instead of promoting and protecting the peoples’ interest our congressmen opted to protect their own political and economic gains”. Hernandez reiterated.

“Now that the bill was defeated in the House, instead of owing up to their faults the congressmen are now busy throwing the blame at each other. If this is a sneak preview of the manner tin which the members of the 14th Congress will conduct their affairs, then in the final analysis, it is the people who will once again suffer from the selfish interest and endless politicking of the members of the House.” Hernandez concluded.           

Pfizer Denying Filipinos of Affordable Hypertensive Drug

17 AUGUST 2007 

Members of the Cut the Cost, Cut the Pain Network (3CPNet) appeal to the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) for the cancellation of Pfizer’s patent on Norvasc, a maintenance drug for hypertensive patients. 

“Pfizer has long deceived the Filipinos by continuously filing patents on ingredients of Norvasc which has no significant therapeutic effect just to maintain their monopoly over their market – the Hypertensive patients.” Edeliza Hernandez, Coordinator of Cut the Cost, Cut the Pain Network (3CPNet)  said.

The patent of Norvasc or Amlodipine Besylate, for its active ingredient Amlodipine, has long been expired. Currently, Norvasc’s patent is based on the besylate salt, an ingredient which has no therapeutic effect or curative capacities.

“The IPO erred in granting the Patent of Norvasc on Besylate salt. We are urging IPO to employ corrective measures on this case through a resolution canceling the Norvasc patent. A resolution favorable to the interest of the Filipinos.” Hernandez added.

Similarly, the Philippine International Trading Corporation filed a Petition for the cancellation of Norvasc’s patent citing the United States Court of Appeals Ruling which declared Pfizer’s Norvasc patent invalid due to the besylate salt’s obviousness.

Norvasc, an Anti-Hypertensive maintenance drug gained global sales of USD 4.87 Billion for Pfizer last year. Norvasc is priced at Php 44.75 per 5 mg tablet and Php 74.75 per 10 mg tablet.

“Depriving patients of low-cost medicines deprives them of their right to live. This is what Pfizer has been doing through the years and it has to stop. Cancellation of Norvasc’s patent is a step towards preventing multinational drug corporations of following a similar path and a means to reducing the high cost of medicines in the country.” Hernandez concluded.