Novartis, please drop the case....

Recently I came across an article and an advertisement in 'The Hindu'. The article was about how cheap, generic versions of ARV (anti retro viral) drugs are helping millions all over the world fight the AIDS epidemic. But now Novartis, a US based drug company which holds the patents for the original versions of those drugs, has filed a case against Indian government for allowing drug companies like Cipla manufacture those generic versions. Novartis wants the manufacture of the generic versions stop and that its patent rights are honoured. Indeed, this is not the first time such a thing has happened. Earlier too, major drug companies tried to force some African nations in this way. But a international out cry over the issue and a major campaign has later forced the companies to drop the law suits. But now, India, as a signatory of WTO patents regime, is expected to protect the interests of Novartis. But this may prove to be a worst blow to the millions suffering from AIDS and the aid agencies helping them, all over the world. Are lives of millions more important than patent rights? No. So few groups have started a media campaign and a signature campaign to request Novartis to drop the law suit. The least guys like you and me can do is to take part in the campaign. So to read the news article article, click on the following link :

Generic drugs and the fate of the global AIDS response - The Hindu (29th Jan, 2007)

or
click on the title of this posting,"Novartis, please drop the case...."

And to take part in the campaign or to know more about it, click on this link :

PEOPLE BEFORE PATENTS:
THE LIVES OF MILLIONS ARE AT STAKE!!
SIGN-ON TO HELP PROTECT ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE MEDICINES!!

Please pass on this information to all your friends and urge them to take part in the campaign.