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Article

22 Oct 2001

Author:
editorial, San Francisco Chronicle

Save patent, risk lives?

...The Bush administration says it has pushed Bayer for extra Cipro supplies, but has refused to override patent laws, which it could arguably do...Washington's hesitancy has other sources. If drug licensing laws are suspended for Cipro, what about big-ticket AIDS drugs? Countries such as Brazil, South Africa and India are challenging American drugmakers, either in court or by open defiance, to permit cheaper copycat drugs. Allowing Cipro generics may embolden these challenges and prompt other groups to protest high drug prices...Our leaders need to set an example of tough-mindedness out of Washington. That means staying on the job and standing up to the powerful drug industry.