Clearly, it is the generic companies, and not the large multinationals, that need this act. The legislation refers to patented medicines. The changes that we have proposed need to be made in order to make the act more effective. The existing act is overly complex and negotiations must be conducted with patented drug companies. In the case of Apotex, three companies held a patent on this product. The license is valid for only one country, but often, companies want to export the product to several different countries. A company needs to be have a license that is valid for a certain period of time. Right now, under the act, a license is valid for only two years. In many ways, the act's provisions are restrictive and, as we mentioned two or three years ago, it's impossible for a generic drug company to work with the legislation. Therefore, it's important that changes be made. This act is important to all countries, and especially to developing countries.
On April 23rd, 2007. See this statement in context.