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Shot of Hope: Equal access a hurdle after race to coronavirus vaccine

The second of a two-part series examines challenges linked to IPR and monopoly once Covid-19 vaccine is created

covid, coronavirus, vaccine, drug, pharma

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Currently, Indian biotech firms such as Panacea, Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech are playing a key role in trying to ensure availability of vaccines by collaborating with firms abroad.

Geetika Srivastava New Delhi

6 min read Last Updated : Jun 23 2020 | 1:01 AM IST

Even if a vaccine is created and manufactured within the expected timeframe, it may not mean an end to Covid-induced misery for all. Equal access to the vaccine could be a major challenge, according to experts. Experience during the Swine Flu pandemic shows how.

When in 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Swine Flu influenza a pandemic, big pharmaceutical firms invested huge sums in research and developed a vaccine, which they then patented. The resultant monopoly over its formulation led to the highest bidders – developed nations such as the US, Canada, and Australia –

Topics : Coronavirus Swine Flu Coronavirus Vaccine World Health Organisation intellectual property rights IPR regime IPR policy intellectual property United States Pharma Companies Indian Pharmaceuticals Industry H1N1 drugs Bharat Biotech European Union Serum Institute of India Panacea Biotec AstraZeneca AbbVie USFDA EU patent laws Patents Patent Patents Act patent applications

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