Those Uppity Thais

It hasn't gotten much attention in the mainstream press, but Thailand's decision to issue compulsory licenses for several critical HIV/AIDS drugs has drawn a heated reaction from the global pharmaceutical industry. Abbott Labs announced earlier this week that it would no longer market its drugs in Thailand.

Abbott makes several protease inhibitors that are very important components of many AIDS regimens because they have the desireable side effect of delaying the body's metabolism of other drugs in the triple-cocktail. That allows for less frequent dosing schedules, which increases compliance.

But two years ago, Abbott established prices for their latest version of the drug that was well beyond affordability for most developing countries, including Thailand. That country responded by issuing a compulsory license, which voids intellectual property rules enforced by the World Trade Organization. However, WTO rules also allow for compulsory licenses when a nation thinks it is in its interest to do so.

Abbott's decision to strike back drew a heated response from Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) yesterday.

"Thailand's move to issue compulsory licenses is an important way to help bring prices down and increase availability of medicines," said Ellen 't Hoen, Policy Director at MSF's Campaign for Access to Essential Medicines. "In light of this, Abbott's move is appalling."

According to MSF, Abbott offered its latest drugs for $500 per patient per year for the least developed countries and $2,200 per patient per year in middle income countries like Thailand. That's a huge markup over the $140 per patient per year costs of older, less effective regimens.

Abbott was one of the first companies to get involved in AIDS research. Its HIV/AIDS research program began in the late 1980s after receiving a five-year U.S. government grant.