India sounds generics warning over EU trade deal
Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance accuses EU of high-pressure tactics
The European Union (EU) is running into opposition from the Indian pharmaceutical industry by pushing for a data exclusivity clause to be written into a planned EU-India free trade agreement.
The rule would prevent Indian generic drugs manufacturers from developing generics while medicines are under patent protection, slowing their release of drugs once this expires.
Protests have been staged in Indian cities against the deal, including HIV patient groups, claiming that the agreement would restrict their access to affordable medicines.
They also claim that the agreement would prevent Indian drug companies from cutting the cost of their medicines and underline the right of European customs to seize Indian generics that they believe break international property rules.
Dilip Shah, secretary-general of the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, representing large Indian generic manufacturers, accused the EU of ‘high-pressure tactics’ in an attempt to ‘force India to agree to data exclusivity’.